Teenager jumps out of window after firework blaze

A TEENAGER had to jump out of a first-floor window to escape after a firework was put through his door's cat-flap and set fire to the kitchen.

Neighbours saw the rocket being put through the cat-flap of the home in Barent Walk, Bestwood Estate, at 3pm yesterday.

The teenager was shocked but uninjured.

Watch Manager Lester White, based at Arnold Fire Station, said: "The youth who was upstairs had to jump out of th window. He was on his own, off school, and somebody has put a firework through the cat-flap and it has set fire to the kitchen and he has been unable to get out.

"He tried to come downstairs but with the kitchen being on fire he couldn't get downstairs. He came out of the front window of the house."

The teenager did not have serious injuries, but was shocked, and given a check by ambulance staff.

Mr White added: "He dropped out the window and his parents came home. He was fine. He was walking all right."

Firefighters then used breathing apparatus to enter the building and put the fire out. They were in attendance for about one hour. The kitchen was severely damaged by the fire.

Police have issued a warning that misusing fireworks is an arrestable offence, and anyone finding themselves in court can be issued with a fine of up to £5,000.

Anyone with information about such incidents should call Notts Police on 0115 967 0999, the Nottingham City Council Anti-Social Behaviour Helpline on 0115 915 2020, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In an emergency call 999.

A 12-year-old boy has been arrested and released on police bail in connection with the incident.