A 24-year-old man has died after a firework went off in his face during a family party in Ridderkerk.

Police arrested a 29-year-old man who allegedly lit the firework, as well as a 62-year-old man who local media said was the victim’s father. The incident happened at about 11.45pm on Sunday.

The older man, who works for the emergency services, is said to have become aggressive towards paramedics who were trying to resuscitate his son after they declined his offer of help. He was not present at the party but went to the scene as soon as he was told of the blast.

The victim was revived at the scene and taken to hospital, but died from his injuries a few hours later.

Police said illegal ‘heavy’ fireworks were set off during the celebrations on Boerhaavestraat. They said they had confiscated two unused pieces that were found in the possession of the 29-year-old man from Alblasserdam.