Couple, Zimbabwean hurt by firecrackers
PETALING JAYA: A couple and a Zimbabwean national were injured after they were hit by firecrackers at the Luther Centre Church in Jalan Utara yesterday.
According to Petaling Jaya district police chief ACP Mohd Zani Che Din, in the 12.45am incident, a priest in his 50s reported hearing explosions after churchgoers began leaving the church following a New Year prayer service.
“The priest found a married couple in their late 40s who sustained injuries to their backs and brows, along with a 25year-old Zimbabwean varsity student who suffered burns on his forehead after the firecrackers struck them at close range.
“The incident was believed to have been triggered following a commotion involving a group of ‘mat rempit’ on eight motorcycles who had been pursued by several individuals prior to the explosions,” he said yesterday.
Mohd Zani ruled out sabotage on the church as the victims were caught in a spat between two groups of assailants.
“The incident coincidentally took place in front of the church where firecrackers were thrown at each other with one landing on the road shoulder and one at the church’s entrance.
“The incident has nothing to do with religious issues and it is a provocation between two groups of assailants.”
Police were told by witnesses that they were unable to ascertain the identity of the suspects or give a clear account of what happened, as it was dark at that time.
Police are in the midst of obtaining closed-circuit television recordings.
Those with information are urged to contact the Petaling Jaya district police headquarters at 03-9766 2222.