ANGRY shop owners claim a "pathetic" yob could have seriously injured someone by throwing a lit industrial firework in their business.

Police are investigating the incident as a suspected arson attack, after someone ran past Fireworks Inc, in High Street, Rayleigh, and threw a £50 firework into the shop.

The brave owners, who do not want to be named because they fear the attack was personal, kicked the box-like firework into the doorway, as it let off around 200 small bangers.

They say they're relieved there were no customers in the shop at the time.

The 32-year-old owner, who jumped behind the shop's counter for protection, said: "It is pathetic. It could have hurt a lot of innocent people.

"It was an industrial firework meant for big displays and you are meant to stand 25 metres away.

"We were inches away from it."

His 37-year-old business partner tried to smoother the firework, using a sandwich board, from outside the shop.

He said: "I'm just so relieved there were no children or families in the shop.

"Whoever did this had absolutely no respect for human life. It was a frightening experience.

"Luckily, the fireworks on display in the shop are dummies. We store all the genuine fireworks at a rented unit down the road.

"Otherwise, they could have caused some serious damage."

The pair sell fireworks as a part-time money-spinner five weeks of the year, and it was the first time they had opened a store in Rayleigh.

But despite the lease not being up until this Saturday, they have packed up the shop early and say they doubt they will return to the town.

Police spokesman Alan Jones said: "Fireworks are explosives and the consequences of this incident could easily have been far greater."

Anyone who was in the High Street at about 4.45pm on Monday, and may have seen something is asked to call detectives on 01268 775533.