POLICE arrested a teenager after a firework was set off in a Bradford shopping centre - injuring two people.

West Yorkshire Police were called to reports of a male lighting a firework inside The Broadway Bradford at around 1.28pm on Wednesday.

The firework was set off near to KFC, in the food court.

A witness, who was right next to the explosion said: "It honestly sounded like a bomb going off."

Two women suffered minor injuries.

There were a lot of young people in the shopping centre due to it being half-term and the ordeal caused "panic", according to the witness.

They added that people crowded together as they tried to escape the building, pointing out this wasn't ideal given the situation with the coronavirus pandemic.

Ian Ward, General Manager at The Broadway, Bradford, said: “We can confirm that yesterday afternoon, Wednesday 28th October at 13.19, a 16-year old male set off a firework in the shopping centre Food Court near KFC. 

“The centre’s security team stationed nearby were alerted and immediately arrived on the scene.

"Customers in the area were understandably startled but no one was seriously hurt.

"Two customers suffered minor injuries and were looked after by our staff who administered basic first aid.

“Our onsite police officer tried to apprehend the suspect but he fled the scene."

This was when West Yorkshire Police was first called and officers from the force later detained a 16-year-old male.

He was taken into custody.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "Enquiries are ongoing into the incident in partnership with Youth Services and The Broadway."

Police have issued an appeal for any witnesses.

If you can help, you should ring 101, or use the contact options on the West Yorkshire Police website.

You should quote crime reference number: 13200540146.