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An exploding firework has left two young boys hospitalised with reportedly serious injuries.

A family member, posting on Facebook, revealed that one of the boys was waiting for an operation on his hand.

Superintendent Mike Richards said: “We received a report of a medical emergency in Hengoed Road, Hengoed, at around 2.15pm on Sunday October 1.

“Two boys, aged eight and nine, remain in hospital receiving treatment for injuries believed to be linked to an explosion of a firework.

“Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or send us a direct message on social media, quoting log reference 2300332856.”

A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We sent two emergency ambulances, one duty operational manager, one Cymru high acuity response unit and one air ambulance to the scene where we were assisted by colleagues from the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service who travelled by air.

“We conveyed one patient by road to University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, and one patient by air to the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children for further treatment.”

Plaid Cymru Senedd Member Delyth Jewell, who represents South Wales East, referred to the incident in the Senedd on October 3 and called for a ban on the public sale of fireworks.

She said: “Bonfire night is still a month away and, every year, we seem to hear horrible stories about life-changing injuries that are suffered because of fireworks.

“Surely, isn’t it time that the sale of fireworks should be banned except for professional displays?”

Responding on behalf of the Welsh Government, Lesley Griffiths said responsibility for such a ban is with the UK Government and that discussions had taken place.

She said: “I’m very sorry to hear of the incident and, as you say, unfortunately, most years we do hear of very similar events. I will certainly ask the Minister for Climate Change if she’s had any further discussions with the UK Government.”