A four-year-old boy is in a critical condition in hospital with life-threatening injuries after being struck by a lit firework in Burnley on Bonfire Night.
Police Condemn Incident as 'Going Too Far'
The serious incident occurred on November 5 in the Elm Street area of Burnley, Lancashire. Emergency services rushed the young boy to Royal Blackburn Hospital for urgent treatment.
A spokesperson for Lancashire Police stated forcefully: "We are aware this area has seen previous anti-social use of fireworks but this year has gone too far, resulting in a child being hospitalised."
Appeal for Information and Wider Context
In response, police have released images of a young man they urgently wish to question in connection with the event. Officers are appealing directly to the community, urging them to "do the right thing and tell us who he is."
Anyone with information is asked to email burnley.npt@lancashire.police.uk and quote the investigation reference: 04/189049/25.
This is not an isolated case of firework misuse. The report also highlights significant anti-social behaviour in Birmingham in recent days, including around Halloween and Bonfire Night (November 5).
In Birmingham, police were pelted with fireworks in areas including New Street, Dale End, and Staniforth Street/Bagot Street. This led to 19 people being charged with offences such as assaulting police and public order breaches. The force implemented extra stop and search powers to tackle the dangerous behaviour.
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: "We won't tolerate such appalling behaviour which we know is frightening for people and puts them at risk of harm. The safety of our communities is paramount."
