White powder causes boys’ faces to burn

aberdeen: Boys were playing in street when the powder was thrown at them

Two schoolboys could be scarred for life after an accident on an Aberdeen street.

The 12-year-olds suffered serious burns from a “white powder” after it exploded in their faces as they played in the street.

Shane Flower and his friend, named locally as Igor Wodecki, were both rushed to Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital for treatment after the accident on Wednesday night.

Police launched an investigation into the incident on Granitehill Road, Northfield, after it was reported that someone had thrown the powder in the boys’ faces.

They sealed off the area where it happened, near the Coral bookmakers and Hamewith Lodge Nursing Home, for several hours and firefighters were also drafted in to assist.

However, officers later said no crime had been committed.

Inspector Allen Shaw said: “Extensive inquiries have been carried out by a team of officers who have established that no assault – nor any crime – has taken place.

“Further inquiries will now be carried out as to how the substance involved in this incident was able to be accessed and where it came from.

“I appreciate the upset this has caused the local community and would like to thank you all for your patience while our inquiries took place.

I would also like to thank every member of the public who has provided information in relation to this investigation and thank the media for their assistance so far.”

Yesterday, Shane’s sister shared a picture of his injuries and appealed for anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

Gemma Florence, 25, said her little brother had tried to get as much of the substance off by jumping in the shower, before his injuries started swelling and he was raced to hospital.

She added: “This will really knock his confidence. He doesn’t want anyone looking at his face. “He’s really miserable. “I went in to see Shane in hospital before my mum because she was just so scared to see how injured he was. Shane didn’t want to show me his face at first, but eventually he let me have a look.

“The doctors haven’t said whether they’ll be scarred for life, they could be but we don’t know yet.”

It is understood both boys remained in hospital last night.

Picture: SWNS. 12-year-old Shane Flower and his friend Igor Wodecki were left in agony after white powder was thrown on their faces.

Police say no crime was committed.