VANDALS pushed lit fireworks through the letterbox of a veterinary practice near Eastleigh.

Staff say it was a miracle that the Riverside Surgery in Scotter Road, Bishopstoke, was not turned into a blazing inferno.

The lives of several animals, which were staying there overnight, were put at risk.

Veterinary nurse Sam Cook told the Daily Echo how the surgery came under late-night attack with fireworks landing in the reception area and sending sparks flying all over the place.

There were huge scorch marks and part of the plastic flooring melted. The reception area filled with smoke.

Sam, 20, who was on duty at the time, said: "The fire alarm bells started going off."

She was shocked when she saw that two fireworks, possibly Roman candles, had been thrown inside.

One was lying under the door way and the other had landed in the middle of the floor.

Emma Robbie, 24, who is head veterinary nurse, condemned the actions of the vandals who could have put surgery staff and animals in real danger.

She said: "It is just a miracle that the fireworks did not get pinned between the flammable food packets and posters on display. It could have been disastrous.

"To do a thing like this is really sick. I wonder if the people who did this have animals of their own and how would they like it if they were put at risk like this?"

The vandals struck just before 10pm on Saturday. Staying in the surgery that night had been four cats, including three strays, and a rabbit. One of the animals was recovering from an operation. They were all being housed in an area well away from the firework attack.

Steps have already been taken to prevent a repeat attack and the letterbox will be sealed overnight.

On a window close to the letterbox is an RSPCA poster which reads "Quiet Please. Loud fireworks frighten animals."

The incident, which has been reported to the police, comes at a time when the surgery has been dealing with many calls from owners of dogs and cats whose pets are already suffering from the trauma of loud fireworks.

Under new nationwide police powers on the spot fines of £80 can be issued to those

One was lying under the doorway and the other had landed in the middle of the floor.

Emma Robbie, 24, who is head veterinary nurse, condemned the actions of the vandals, who could have put surgery staff and animals in real danger.

"It is just a miracle that the fireworks did not get stuck between the flammable food packets and posters on display. It could have been disastrous," she said.

"To do a thing like this is really sick. I wonder if the people who did this have animals of their own. If so, how would they like it if they were put at risk like this?"

The vandals struck just before 10pm on Saturday. Four cats, including three strays, and a rabbit were staying in the surgery that night.

One of the animals was recovering from an operation. They were all housed in an area well away from the fireworks attack.

Steps have now been taken to prevent a repeat attack with the letterbox sealed overnight.

On a window close to the letterbox is an RSPCA poster which reads: "Quiet Please. Loud fireworks frighten animals."

The incident comes at a time when the surgery has been dealing with many calls from owners of dogs and cats whose pets are already suffering from the trauma of loud fireworks.

Under new nationwide police powers, on-the-spot fines of £80 can be issued to those caught misusing fireworks.