Mum slams firecracker yobs

A mother-of-two thought a bomb had exploded after firecrackers were set off in a McDonald’s restaurant.

It was the third incident in two days after a group of youths were seen throwing the small explosives at each other, in Cranford Road, near Central Park, Dartford, before targetting an Argos store in Lowfield Street on Thursday, October 4.

Police attended and conducted a search but no suspects were found.

Jo Lawrence was at the fastfood eatery in Spital Street at around 6pm on Friday, October 5, with her twin sons when the third incident happened.

She was getting dinner with her husband and children after the boys’ first swimming lesson.

As the 38-year-old headed to the counter to order, a group of youths threw the firecrackers into the restaurant.

She said: “It was busy, there was about 15 to 20 people queuing and people sitting down with their children.

“The next thing I knew there was a big bang and smoke. I thought it was a bomb at first.

“It was so loud and I was left with ringing in my ears.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident and hasn’t already spoken to police, is asked to phone 01634 792209 quoting 05-1473.

A McDonald’s spokesman said: “The safety and security of our people and customers is of the utmost importance to us.

“We therefore take a zero tolerance approach when it comes to crime and anti-social behaviour in and around our restaurants.

“Police were called and we are currently assisting with their inquiries.”