A block of student flats was evacuated after a firework was lit inside the building and thrown from a window.

Fire crews were called to Dundee University's Belmont Tower at 9.30pm on Wednesday after smoke from the firework set off alarms.

Upon arrival they established there was no fire but the building had to be ventilated of smoke.

Fire service group manager Craig Thomson called the act "irresponsible and reckless" and said it threatened the safety of those inside the flats at the time.

He said: "This mindless act really does defy belief. Extreme care should be taken when using fireworks outside but they should never be used inside any building or premises due to the risk of fire and serious injury.

"The person responsible is very lucky that there was no fire or injury to either themselves or the other students within the halls."

He added: "Attending incidents like this also delays our attendance at more serious incidents where lives could be at stake and the person responsible should take that in and think about it very seriously."

Dundee University has launched an investigation to uncover the culprit.

A spokesman said: "It appears a firework was set off from an open window in Belmont Tower last night.

"Thankfully no one was injured in the incident, which we are continuing to investigate, and no damage was caused."

He added: "Students are made aware of our fire safety regulations and their personal responsibilities in this regard even before they take up a place at our residences.

"Fire safety is of the utmost importance in our halls of residence and we work closely with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service on campaigns to reiterate this message.

"We have clear disciplinary procedures in place for anyone found flouting these regulations and all our students are aware of this."