TWO teenagers suffered horrific burns after setting fire to a house while trying to light a barbecue.

Supermarket worker Gavin Wilson, 19, was preparing for an afternoon in the sun at his parent's home in Edmonton Drive, Beardwood, Blackburn, when the drama unfolded.

Neighbours said the house erupted in flames after Gavin and friend Scott Walkden tried to extinguish burning lighter fluid on their hands in the kitchen sink.

Gavin suffered severe burns to his hands and Scott, 19, suffered a badly burned leg.

Today Gavin's mother Marion and step-father Bill were returning from a holiday in Great Yarmouth to survey the damage at their detached home after being alerted by the police.

Neighbour Mrs Marilyn Griffin said her husband Alan had heard the "explosion" as the patio doors at the rear of the house smashed.

The blaze caused damage to the kitchen and rear room.

She said: "Alan was out in front of the house when Gavin came running out and shouted for him to phone the fire brigade.

"At first we didn't realise that either of the lads had been badly hurt because they seemed more concerned to get the fire out.

"There were plumes of black smoke coming out of the front windows.

"Scott was in a state of shock and we could see the burns to his leg. We laid him out on the floor and waited for the ambulance to arrive.

"Gavin did not look to be as badly shocked but his hands looked to be quite badly injured."

Both of the men were released from Blackburn Royal Infirmary after treatment following the accident at 6.15pm last night.

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