US man fires cannon, hits neighbour's house

A history buff who recreates firearms from old wars accidentally fired a cannonball through the wall of his neighbour's home in Pennsylvania.

William Maser, 54, of Georges Township, fired the two-pound cannonball on Wednesday evening outside his home that ricocheted and hit a house 400 yards (365 meters) away.

The cannonball, about two inches in diameter, smashed through a window and a wall before landing in his neighbour's closet. Authorities said no one was hurt.

State police charged Mr Maser with reckless endangerment, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

No one answered the phone on Friday at Maser's home.

He told WPXI-TV that recreating 19th century cannon is a longtime hobby. He added that he was sorry about the damage and would stop shooting them on his property.