UK: Boy loses sight in railway detonator explosion

[John Ashworth]

Boy loses sight in explosion in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex

12 August 2012 Last updated at 12:39 GMT BBC

A 15-year-old boy has lost the sight in his right eye after a railway detonator was thrown on to a fire and exploded.

Police said detonators - which are used as fog signals - were taken from a depot in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, and put on to a bonfire at a nearby skate park.

The boy, who is from the town, was taken to Southend Hospital after the explosion was reported at 22:48 BST on Saturday.

Two 17-year-old boys have been arrested on suspicion of theft.

The victim is expected to undergo surgery on severe facial injuries.

Det Con Michael Bute said the incident served "to highlight the dangers of trespassing on to any part of the rail network that is not meant for public access".