Eight injured by firework at Christmas lights switch on by Eastenders star
One person was taken to hospital and seven others injured after a stray firework fell into the crowd during a Christmas lights switch on display in Salisbury.
The person is not believed to be seriously hurt but Brett Bowles, who was also injured, told the BBC that it was like being "hit by a bottle".
He said: "I was stood with my daughter in my arms watching the fireworks.
"The first few had gone over and then it felt like someone had thrown a bottle, which hit me in the side of the head.
"Then I looked down on the floor and there were some old firework remains there and the blood just pouring down my head."
Eastenders actor Steve McFadden, who stars as Phil Mitchell in the soap, turned up to switch on the lights in the Wiltshire city.
Around 14,000 attended the event which saw fireworks launched from the roof of Salisbury's Guildhall.
Salisbury City Council said it appeared that a "firework malfunctioned" and that it was "investigating further".
A spokesman told the Salisbury Journal: "During the firework element of the event, at approximately 7.05pm, it would appear that a firework malfunctioned.
"This resulted in debris falling to the ground mainly in Queen Street and New Canal.
"The council apologises for any distress this incident has caused and are currently carrying out a full and thorough investigation with all those involved."
St John Ambulance volunteers attended to the eight injured people.
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