14/10/2019
Teen's Lucky Escape After Firework Attack
Police said a teenager is lucky not to have lost his sight after he was attacked with a firework in Larne.
The incident occurred in the Linn Road area of the Co Antrim town at around 7.20pm on Sunday 13 October.
The 14-year-old victim was lucky not to lose his vision or his hands after the firework exploded on his chest and face.
Sergeant Lowry, posting on PSNI Larne, released an image of the victim's scarred hands to serve as a warning to young people about playing with fireworks.
"This young guy is so lucky he hasn't lost his vision or his hands as the firework exploded on his chest and face," Sgt Lowry commented. "I do believe the only reason he hasn't received serious injuries to his face is because he put his hands up to protect himself.
"I want to send a message to the young people who think this is fun..... IT'S NOT, its reckless and dangerous."
Police have acquired CCTV footage of the incident and are working to identify those involved. Ten stop and search checks for fireworks have been carried out in direct connection to the incident.
"When we identify you, you will be interviewed and we will seek prosecutions via the courts," Sgt Lowry warned.
"I am appealing to the local community to help us. Do you know someone selling fireworks, do you know where young people are getting them?
"This is not a problem we can fix ourselves we need to work with the community. If you don't wish to speak to us directly then please contact Crimestoppers on 0800555111 and pass the information via them.
"Help us make your community safer before another young person is injured."
(JG/CM)
The incident occurred in the Linn Road area of the Co Antrim town at around 7.20pm on Sunday 13 October.
The 14-year-old victim was lucky not to lose his vision or his hands after the firework exploded on his chest and face.
Sergeant Lowry, posting on PSNI Larne, released an image of the victim's scarred hands to serve as a warning to young people about playing with fireworks.
"This young guy is so lucky he hasn't lost his vision or his hands as the firework exploded on his chest and face," Sgt Lowry commented. "I do believe the only reason he hasn't received serious injuries to his face is because he put his hands up to protect himself.
"I want to send a message to the young people who think this is fun..... IT'S NOT, its reckless and dangerous."
Police have acquired CCTV footage of the incident and are working to identify those involved. Ten stop and search checks for fireworks have been carried out in direct connection to the incident.
"When we identify you, you will be interviewed and we will seek prosecutions via the courts," Sgt Lowry warned.
"I am appealing to the local community to help us. Do you know someone selling fireworks, do you know where young people are getting them?
"This is not a problem we can fix ourselves we need to work with the community. If you don't wish to speak to us directly then please contact Crimestoppers on 0800555111 and pass the information via them.
"Help us make your community safer before another young person is injured."
(JG/CM)
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