Smoke bomb is posted through KFC letterbox (From Echo)

Smoke bomb is posted through KFC letterbox

12:00am Saturday 8th November 2008 in Local News By Alex Ellis

A RESTAURANT had to be evacuated after a thug threw a firework through its letterbox.

The youngster had previously been refused entry to KFC, in Corringham town centre.

Police believe he threw the firework to get his revenge.

Staff evacuated the restaurant and alerted fire crews, at about 9.30pm on Thursday, after it filled with dense smoke.

The premises was just about to close and there were no customers inside. There was no sign of fire when firefighters arrived at the scene. Crews ventilated the single-storey building before leaving at about 10.30pm.

Corringham station officer Geoff Wheal said: “Fortunately, the restaurant was empty. Staff were just closing for the night and turned away a disgruntled customer.

“It appears he returned with a smoke bomb, which he threw through the letterbox, slightly damaging the seating area in the restaurant at the front.

“The smoke bombs have been selling locally around the firework night period.

“They are sold for their spectacular smoke effects, so the building was completely smoke-logged when we arrived.”

Inspector Rachel Wood, from Essex Police, added: “This is very disappointing because the area has shown record lows for firework-related disorder.”

Essex Police are treating the incident as criminal damage.

Anyone who saw the incident should call PC Lucy Smart, at Tilbury Police Station, on 0300 3334444.