Chaos at Croydon Nativity as 8-Year-Old’s Costume Catches Fire
A nightmare unfolded at a Croydon school nativity play when an 8-year-old child was engulfed in flames. The drama erupted during a Christmas performance at Our Lady of the Annunciation Church, leaving the young boy with serious burns. Teaching staff bravely doused the flames but also suffered injuries in the chaos.
Flames Ignite During Candlelit Nativity Performance
The Thomas Becket School choir and junior classes were mid-performance in the traditional nativity play when disaster struck. Children carried candles as part of the show. According to a parent at the scene, the child holding a candle fell into the pupil in front, setting the costume ablaze within seconds.
“The children were screaming, crying — total panic,” said the mother of another child in the play.
Staff Rush In to Save Child, Suffer Injuries Themselves
Two adults, believed to be teaching staff, jumped in to put out the fire. They both sustained burn injuries but are not in serious condition. The boy was airlifted to hospital with serious burns for urgent treatment.
Police and Emergency Services Swarm Church Scene
The Met Police confirmed they received the emergency call just after 2.20pm on Wednesday, December 11. Officers, along with the London Ambulance Service and London Air Ambulance, rushed to the church on Bingham Road.
Officers are assisting with an incident at a Croydon church,” a Met spokesperson said. “A young boy suffered serious burns during a Christmas event. One adult received minor burn injuries.”
The church has been taped off as police continue their investigation into the horrifying incident that has left parents and children shaken.
