This is the dramatic moment diners jump up from their tables in panic when the restaurant owner's eight-year-old son accidentally set off a stack of firecrackers that were hidden next to the till.

The incident unfolded at a restaurant near Yaohan Road in the town of Handanm, Hebei Province, China, on Sunday, December 24.

CCTV footage shows that around 7 pm the restaurant was full of customers enjoying their meals when suddenly, firecrackers crackled at the cash register.

They all jumped up off their seats and scattered in fear as a young boy emerged from behind the till, covering his ears and shouting in fear.

One man dressed in a white jacket pulled the boy aside and to safety, and another man splashed water on the firecrackers in an attempt to put them out.

A nearby merchant told local media that they had heard the noise the previous night and saw many customers standing at the entrance of that restaurant.

They initially thought it was someone causing trouble after drinking too much.

Mr Li, the owner of the restaurant, said that his eight-year-old son was playing by the till at the time and accidentally ignited the firecrackers stored inside. One firecracker even fell onto a customer's dining plate.

The owner added: 'Thankfully, the customers at that table had already finished their meal, and later paid and left.

'No one was injured and I scolded my son afterwards.'

Another staff member, identified as Ms Li, said that the boy is not usually mischievous and rarely comes to the restaurant.