Revellers were forced to scramble for cover after a New Year's Eve fireworks display misfired into a large crowd, injuring two young girls.
Hundreds of people attended the unauthorised fireworks display at Bright Park in Guildford, in Sydney's west, on Wednesday night.
In terrifying footage shared online, people could be seen running for cover as a series of fireworks crashed into the field, sending bright sparks everywhere.
'Cruise missile fireworks is crazy,' one person commented, while another slammed the organisers, 'Yous never let fireworks off before clearlyyy [sic].'
In other clips, people can be heard screaming as fireworks are lit close by, with loud bangs deafening much of the footage, as a fire is left blazing near a set of trees.
A 12-year-old girl and a 14-year-old girl were treated for non-life-threatening injuries before they were taken to The Children's Hospital at Westmead.
Another man was treated by paramedics at the scene.
NSW Police said four people have been arrested for allegedly throwing fireworks with the investigation to continue. The offence carries a $7,500 fine.
Crowds of people ran screaming after a 'missile-like' firework crashed into the ground
Armed police could be seen patrolling around the park in the hours prior to the display
A heavy police presence could be seen at the park after news of the fireworks display's start time was shared across social media.
Helicopters could also be seen circling overhead.
Content creator Ehtesham Ahmad, who runs the Horsevibez Tiktok account, posted a series of 'interviews' with attendees prior to the display, with many questioning if the police presence would stop the event going ahead altogether.
'I don't know, too many cops,' one person said.
Others said the police wouldn't be able to 'stop everyone from going'.
'Brotha what else are they gonna do bro,' one man said, while another added: 'There are some cops but the fireworks are still on.'
Despite the fireworks misfiring, the display was largely lauded by people online who said it beat the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge display 'any day'.
'Why go to the city for fireworks when this is what your street looks like on NYE,' a woman wrote. 'It was 10/10.'
Local resident Robynn said the fireworks display was '10/10'
Fireworks were set off near groups of people, sending bright sparks everywhere
In Sydney's CBD, police made dozens of arrests for assault, affray and offensive conduct
BREAKING NEWS
Urgent search is launched for young man at a popular Aussie beach after woman swept out to sea
However others criticised organisers for their lack of safety planning.
'Well Bright Park was lit, but disappointing. It was organised by teenagers. Shocking results and very unsafe,' one person said.
'Cops were there but can't do much. We had a convo with them very lovely officers.'
Daily Mail has contacted NSW Police for comment.
It comes as dozens of Aussies spent the first few hours of 2026 in custody after a record number of police were deployed to New Year's Eve celebrations.
NSW Police arrested 38 people overnight in Greater Sydney, including more than nine in the CBD and foreshore areas for various offences including assaults, affray, assault police and offensive conduct.
More than 2,500 officers were deployed across the Harbour City to ensure the community felt safe in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack.
Long-arm weapons were also carried by specialist police in the hopes of providing a sense of security to crowds.