A DISTRAUGHT mother says her family’s trip to an organised bonfire turned into a nightmare when her two-year-old son was badly burned by what is thought to be firework debris.

Danielle McIntosh was at the bonfire in Bedale, North Yorkshire, along with her four children and partner Darren Robinson on Saturday night when her son Rocco Robinson began screaming.

“When I looked down there was a bright orange burning ember on his neck, I tried to flick it off but it kept sticking to his skin, Darren poured a load of juice over it and it came off but Rocco was screaming. Darren ran to the fire engine and they put cold padding on it, but we were told the ambulance had been called elsewhere.

“We went to A & E at the Friarage, and he had five burns on his neck, we had to take him to James Cook Hospital (Middlesbrough) on Sunday and were told if I hadn’t flicked the ember off and the burn had been concentrated in one place he would have needed plastic surgery.

“We think he will be alright, but it was horrific, it’s just a nightmare to see your little son burnt. They tell you to go to the organised displays to stay safe and then this happens. We were nowhere near the fire or the fireworks, there did seem to be some debris coming down, but the rest of it didn’t seem hot.

“We won’t be going to organised displays in the future. And I do think they should have had medical help there, the fire crews have first aid, but it’s not enough. ” added Ms McIntosh of Brompton, Northallerton.

The family have complained to Bedale Town Council which organised the event in Bedale Hall Park, which regularly attracts thousands of people. The display is staged by Reaction Fireworks based at Stanley, County Durham.

Bedale councillor John Noone said he was shocked after learning of Rocco’s injuries. “We take health and safety really seriously, it’s very concerning that a child has been hurt, we want people to come and have a good time," he said.

“There did seem to be some stuff drifting over, but not burning. We haven’t had this before that I know of and I haven’t heard of anyone else being hurt. We will be getting in touch with the family and the firework company.”

Managing Director of Reaction Fireworks Adam Hillary said an investigation has been launched and they were sorry to hear a child had been hurt. He added:” We only learned of the incident when contacted today and are currently investigating if it was indeed firework debris that caused the injury. Once we have concluded our investigation we will share that information with the family concerned.

“Reaction Fireworks were contracted to supply the firework display at the event and were not the event organisers, therefore we cannot comment on the level of first aid provision. We hope Rocco makes a speedy recovery.”