REVELLERS watched in horror as stray fireworks exploded into the crowd in the centre of Salisbury, just moments after EastEnders star Steve McFadden turned on the Christmas lights.

Steve, who has a home in Falmouth, was invited to flick the switch infornt of the 15,000 strong crowd, however the evening ended in disaster for organisers with seven people injured and one rushed to hospital.

This video, captured by Jonathan Alvis, shows fireworks striking New Canal Street tonight.

Brett Dyer was hit on the head by a firework.

He told BBC South Today: "I had my daughter in my arms watching the fireworks.

"The first few have gone over and it just felt like someone threw a bottle and hit me in the side of the head.

"I looked down on the floor and there were some old firework remains there and the blood was pouring down the side of my head."

Mr Dyer "This is terrible the way our evening was ruined by a dangerous display or poor safety standards.

"I only hope the young kids that were all sat being treated with me are ok and not in pain like myself!"

Seven people, adults and children, were injured.

Among them was a young girl who suffered burns to her face.

Hannah Austin commented on a local news website: "It wasn't just one stray firework, I was in the 'backstage' area directly in front of the Guildhall and avoided about seven coming straight down towards me.

"Luckily only one hit the audience, although this should not have happened either.

"There were cardboard tubes everywhere after the event."

It is believed the firework landed in the Queen Street area to the rear of the big screen, sending spectators screaming and running for cover.