A BABY narrowly missed being showered by razor-sharp glass after thugs detonated a huge firework.

Residents on Memorial Road, Walkden, were rocked from their beds after the industrial strength pyrotechnic device exploded yards from their front doors.

Two cars were damaged by the blast and a bedroom window was blown through.

Mum-of-two Joanne Bibby, aged 31, said they had moved their daughter's cot from the front window just days ago.

Four-month-old Megan was sleeping in her new nursery but Mrs Bibby feared it could have been far worse.

She said: "She would have been covered in glass. We're just thankful that we had moved her into the box room last week. We were in a state of shock when the firework went off.

"Glass came into our room but didn't land on the bed, because that is further away from the window."

Joanne's husband Michael, a joiner, boarded up the bedroom window.

Neighbour Robert Brooks, aged 45, is waiting to see how much it will cost to repair his Citroen van and his son's Ford Focus after the firework -- thought to be a professional mortar bomb -- was placed between the two vehicles.

The blast damaged the van's bumper, front lights and registration plate and two rear lights on the Focus were blown out.

Painter and decorator Mr Brooks said: "I had just got into bed when I heard a massive explosion.

"The smoke was so thick you couldn't see up the road. We still don't know who did this, but whoever it was, they are sad."

Chief Inspector John Carling, of Swinton police said: "It is an offence to cause explosions in the street.

"People who abuse fireworks, causing danger and damage will be dealt with under the criminal law."

The incident is the second in the area within a week.

In Prestwich, windows at the Mountside Crescent home of Clifford Brooks and his wife Frances were shattered after what was believed to have been a huge firework was set off, leaving a scorch mark on the lawn. Joanne Bibby with daughters Chloe, aged two, and Megan

Ref: H3439/25