A five-year-old boy is recovering in hospital after being hit by an out-of-control firework.

Owen Muller suffered serious burns to his leg when the rocket veered toward spectators during an organised display at the Abbot of Sompting pub in Sompting, which is run by his grandparents.

Horrified onlookers were ushered out of the way as paramedics treated the boy and the rest of the event was cancelled.

Owen, a pupil at Rudyard Kipling Primary School in Woodingdean, Brighton, is being treated in a specialist burns unit at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in west London.

His mother, Tara Muller, of Woodingdean, has been at his bedside.

Owen's grandmother Penny Priest, landlady of the pub in Steepdown Road, has also been checking on him.

The family believes he is making good progress but is expected to stay in hospital for several weeks.

Nikki Muller, Owen's aunt, said: "The rocket just flew all over the place and landed on him. We don't know how it happened.

"It was a real shock to the system, for him and for us. We stopped the display immediately. We didn't want to risk anything.

"He's had an operation and he seems to be doing all right now. But he'll be staying in hospital for a while."

Sussex Police will not be taking action against the organisers of the event.

A spokeswoman said: "It's being treated as a very unfortunate accident. There is no evidence to suggest criminal activity, negligence or intent to cause injury.

"The child is making a good recovery and the family is being kept updated."

The accident happened at about 6.45pm last Saturday.

Owen suffered serious burns to his groin and upper thigh. He was rushed to Worthing Hospital, then transferred to London.

A West Sussex Fire Brigade safety officer attended the scene to help investigations.

A brigade spokeswoman said the case highlighted the need for care with fireworks.

She said: "Although we don't want to spoil people's fun we do recognise that fireworks are a real cause of injury and suffering.

"We hope people will exercise intelligence and care at any events and follow the firework code.

"We support the Government's plans to tighten the laws controlling who can use fireworks, but they probably won't come into force for a while.

"We just want people to be sensible, especially when children are around.

"Keep everyone a safe distance away, don't use accelerants or return to any fireworks, and be very careful of children with sparklers. They should always wear gloves."