REVELLERS watched in horror as stray fireworks rained into the crowd at last night's Christmas lights switch-on.

The spectacular show in the centre of Salisbury ended in disaster for organisers as eight people were injured.

One of them was rushed to hospital with a head wound.

Just moments after EastEnders star Steve McFadden turned on the lights, a firework plunged into the 15,000-strong crowd, showering spectators in sparks.

This video, captured by Jonathan Alvis, shows fireworks dropping in New Canal Street.

Brett Dyer, who was hit on the head by a firework, said: "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!"

Mr Dyer had his daughter in his arms as they watched the display.

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

"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."

Eight people, adults and children, were injured.

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

Hannah Austin commented on the Journal 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."

City clerk Reg Williams said: "It's a great, great shame about what's happened.

"We want to learn exactly what's happened so we can learn for next year."

St John Ambulance volunteers treated casualties at the scene.

A manufacturing fault is being blamed for the accident.

Commenting on Facebook, Kylie Lisa Forrester said: "I had some go in my eyes! And others did! But soon went. Not nice though at all."

Kate Layton-Jones said: "I was at the very front and a tube hit my glove. I saw the whole explosion thing. I just hope they are ok."

It is not believed the person taken to hospital suffered serious injuries.