Police warn about fireworks danger
POLICE have slammed ‘levels of stupidity’ and warned a boy could have suffered ‘life changing’ injuries after a firework was thrown at him in a Widnes park.
A 15-year-old boy was attacked as he cycled through Victoria Park between 7pm and 7.30pm on Monday, October 28.
A Cheshire police spokesman said the teenager suffered ‘minor’ injuries as a result, but did not require hospital treatment. Officers attended the park, but could not find trace of any suspects.
Police have taken to social media to slam the ‘levels of stupidity’ displayed.
Writing on the Widnes police Facebook page, Sergeant Rob Anderson warned that if the firework had been a few feet closer to the teen, he could have suffered a ‘ very serious’ and ‘probably life changing’ injury.
The post read: “I cannot stress enough that fireworks are not toys and are extremely dangerous.
“In my 12 years in the police I have witnessed firework injuries that have included the loss of an eye and permanent damage to a hand.
“Please impress on your children the dangers of treating fireworks as toys.
“The implications are not only serious for victims but for the offenders as well.
“Deliberately throwing a firework at someone could lead to a charge and court appearance for grievous bodily harm
● (GBH) with intent – a crime that nearly always carries a prison sentence.
“As part of Operation Treacle, that I have already posted about, any under 18 in a group committing disorder will be taken to a place of safety and parents will be expected to come and collect them – they do not have to be the one who actually threw the firework – being part of the group is enough.”
Enquiries in connection with the incident are ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to call Cheshire police on 101 quoting IML 550837.