A battery for a remote control car exploded ‘like a firework’ in a man’s hand.

Fire crews were called to Saxon Road yesterday (Tuesday) evening as the family home filled with smoke.

The battery had been on charge upstairs when it became hot and as the man took it off its base and brought it downstairs, it began to spark.

His wife, who did not want to be named, said this morning: “He was holding it as he came down the stairs and he knew something was going to happen and then it started to explode, lots of sparks, like a firework, or a train sparking along the tracks.

“I had our two-year-old on the sofa with me so it was quite scary.

“As it started to explode, he chucked it on to the floor, and it burnt through the carpet.

“We called the fire brigade and the house began to fill with smoke.

“I am just glad that my husband got it downstairs when he did as it could have set the house alight and it would be a different story today.”

The family waited outside until the fire engine pulled up and a burns dressing was put on the man’s hand, but the injury is not thought to be serious.

The property was ventilated by the fire crews, but the woman said her home still smelt of smoke.

There is minimal damage apart from burns in the carpet.