Firework victim leaves hospital

A Shropshire woman who was hit in the face by a firework which shot into the stand before a Premiership match has been discharged from hospital.

Denise Butler left Wolverhampton's New Cross Hospital without comment accompanied by her husband Martyn after spending two nights under observation following treatment for facial injuries.

Mrs Butler required surgery to stitch a deep cut to her face after the firework, part of an official pre-match display, shot sideways into the crowd at Wolverhampton Wanderers' Molineux stadium shortly before the game against Newcastle United on Saturday.

Speaking yesterday, hospital spokeswoman Christine Ransome-Wallis said Mrs Butler, who is in her 30s and lives in Telford, Shropshire, had not suffered a fractured cheekbone as was initially feared.

The club has launched an inquiry into how the firework, which should have flown into the air, ended up in the Billy Wright stand where Mrs Butler, a Wolves season ticket holder, was watching the display with her 11-year-old son Luke.

Seven other fans also received medical treatment following the incident.