Footage from the scene shows grey smoke bursting out from the windows of the BMW (Picture: Liverpool Echo)

Two men have been taken to hospital with serious injuries to their faces and hands after a firework went off in a car.

Locals on on Brook Hey Drive in Kirkby, Merseyside, reported hearing a loud bang at around 12.30pm today, with footage showing a red spark flashing in a moving black BMW.

The car then continued driving along the street as grey smoke billows out from the back.

Emergency services were called to the scene by concerned residents, and a pair of men were taken to hospital.

Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Citing eyewitnesses, the Liverpool Echo reported that one man is believed to have lost part of his hand.

The newspaper said local residents saw all four people in the car bailing out following the explosion before three got back in, with one left on the road.

Inquiries by Merseyside Police indicated that the firework exploded in the car accidentally.

Chief Inspector Duncan Swan said: ‘Please be cautious when handling fireworks as accidents like this can happen causing serious or fatal injuries.

‘They are not something to be messed with but should be handled in a responsible and controlled manner.

‘Everyone should be aware that it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to possess or use fireworks in a public place.

‘We urge the public to be cautious and to think again before holding a firework display at home, and instead encourage you to attend organised displays as they are controlled and safer which means less risk of people being injured or bonfires spreading out of control.’

On Friday night, a five-year-old boy was left bleeding after a firework hit him in the face during a display at Stone Swynnerton Park Cricket Club in Staffordshire.

It’s believed at least six others were also injured after the explosive was accidentally launched into a crowd.

One man is reportedly also believed to have lost part of his hand.