A woman injured at the War and Peace Revival today was hurt by an exploding pyrotechnic thunderflash, organisers confirm.

The victim was wounded in the hand early this morning, before the event opened to the public, by the device that she had bought from a trade stand.

The gates for visitors opened 15 minutes late, at 9.15am, while emergency services dealt with the incident.

The victim was taken to hospital.

A War and Peace Revival spokesman said: “There is currently an investigation into the circumstances of the incident and the small device in question.

“We are awaiting a further update on the person’s condition.

"Our thoughts are with them and we wish them a speedy recovery.”

Police were called to the military festival at Folkestone Racecourse at 6.47am and two fire engines, one from Folkestone and another from Hythe, were also called out.

The thunderflash had set off as a small explosion and the area around the accident was cordoned off.

Thunderflashes are used in battle re-enactment but organisers confirm that this device was not part of the show’s display or events.

Police said they were not looking for anyone in connection with the incident and there was not believed to be any risk to public safety.

“There is currently an investigation into the circumstances of the incident and the small device in question" - event organisers

The woman was taken for treatment at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.

The War and Peace Revival opened on Wednesday and continues until tomorrow.

It is the world’s biggest military vehicle expo, attracting thousands to displays of military vehicles and battle re-enactments as well as giving visitors a rare opportunity to meet war veterans.

It has been set up at Folkestone Racecourse for the first time, having in previous years been at the Hop Farm in Paddock Wood as the War and Peace Show.