Boy, aged one, taken to hospital after smoke grenade ignites in Northampton flatblock

Firefighters are investigating a possible arson attack after a smoke grenade was set off in a block of flats in Northampton.
All three emergency services were called to Ellfield Court in Lings last night (Sunday)All three emergency services were called to Ellfield Court in Lings last night (Sunday)
All three emergency services were called to Ellfield Court in Lings last night (Sunday)

Emergency services were called to Ellfield Court in Lings at about 8.30pm last night (Sunday), after reports that a smoke grenade had gone off in a ground floor corridor.

A Northamptonshire Police spokeswoman said: "A few moments after the smoke grenade had been thrown, smoke started to filter through internal doors and set off the smoke detectors.

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"The fire service recovered a smoke grenade... which was seized."

Tyler Kay was in a top-floor flat with son Coby, aged one. He said: "The smoke started to come under the door and fill the flat. I didn't think it was a fire but I wasn't completely sure so I called the fire service"

Tyler and Coby escaped down the stairs after fire crews arrived.

He said he was annoyed that someone could have set off the smoke grenades - which can be bought on the high street for as little as £3 for use in team shooting sport Airsoft - as they can easily start a fire.

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Tyler said: "When they are first ignited, there's a few seconds when they are like a sparkler. If there's anything flammable near by, it would just go up in flames.

"I do Airsoft and I've used them before, they can be fun. But smoke grenades set off in a block of flats is really dangerous."

The spokeswoman added: "Police are currently investigating the incident with an open mind and as a potential arson attempt - anyone with information should call us on the usual numbers."