The phone box will have to be replaced following the explosion

A phone box in Tonypandy in the Rhondda was destroyed on Thursday night after a large firework was let off inside.

It was the second time it had been targeted after a similar incident on Monday.

Detective Inspector Paul Burke said: "These crimes are very serious and the culprits, if found, could face life imprisonment.

"Last night's explosion blew the glass from the windows and ripped both the roof and door from the box.

"It is only luck that there was no one passing at the time because someone could easily have been killed by such an irresponsible act," he added.

Police have set up an incident room at Ton Pentre police station and officers have issued an appeal for information.

The attack follows a number of similar incidents in England.

In Barnsley, south Yorkshire, a phone box was ripped apart by a powerful firework on 4 October.

In Liverpool a police officer needed hospital treatment for the effects of smoke inhalation after a firework was thrown into the station.

And in September, at least 10 people were injured following a series of firework attacks in London.