Four 12-year-old girls suffered “life-changing” burns in the bathroom of a fast food restaurant in Brighton, Sussex Police said.

He added that the girls were taken to hospital on Thursday evening, where they remain in a “serious but stable condition”. following the accident.

Police said they were trying to find what caused the incident at around 20:30 GMT on October 31 at the Wendy’s on Western Road.

They are not looking for anyone in connection with the incident but are appealing for more information.

A spokesman for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “CCTV footage was reviewed as part of the investigation and we can confirm that the cause was accidental and fireworks were not involved.”

Western Road was temporarily closed on Thursday night to allow emergency vehicles to reach the restaurant, but has since reopened.

A Wendy’s spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with those recovering from this incident at our Brighton restaurant.

“The safety of our customers and employees is our highest priority.”