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25/10/2023
Woman Suffers Facial Burns After Firework Thrown At Police
A woman has been treated in hospital for facial injuries she sustained after being struck by a firework that had been aimed at police in south Belfast.
The woman, aged in her 30s, suffered burns to her face in the incident in Belfast city centre on the evening of Monday, 23 October.
The lit firework had been thrown at police officers, who narrowly avoided being injured themselves.
Officers provided first aid at the scene, before the woman received medical treatment at hospital. Due to the swift action of local police, one person was arrested nearby on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assault on police, possession of fireworks without a licence and possessing an offensive weapon in public. Our investigation remains ongoing.
Superintendent Finola Dornan said: "Fireworks are dangerous. Their misuse can have a devastating and even fatal consequences. My thoughts go out to the victim who was injured last night, in what was a very traumatic experience. I am pleased that by the effective actions of local police, an individual will be held to account, having been interviewed and released on police bail pending further enquiries. Assaults on police who are working hard to keep communities safe are totally unacceptable, yet all too common.
"Police patrols will be out and about to deter anti-social behaviour across this Halloween period, as well as engage with and support local communities.
"Most people are responsible, but we need to be considerate and mindful of others when it comes to celebrating Halloween. Remember, what might seem like harmless fun to some, may actually feel like anti-social behaviour to others.
"We want everyone to stay safe this Halloween and have a fun, enjoyable night and for many this also involves knowing the law on firework safety to ensure everyone can protect themselves from severe burns and injury.
"Anyone who witnessed what happened yesterday or has mobile, dash-cam or CCTV footage that could help our investigation is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1552 23/10/23."
Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
The woman, aged in her 30s, suffered burns to her face in the incident in Belfast city centre on the evening of Monday, 23 October.
The lit firework had been thrown at police officers, who narrowly avoided being injured themselves.
Officers provided first aid at the scene, before the woman received medical treatment at hospital. Due to the swift action of local police, one person was arrested nearby on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assault on police, possession of fireworks without a licence and possessing an offensive weapon in public. Our investigation remains ongoing.
Superintendent Finola Dornan said: "Fireworks are dangerous. Their misuse can have a devastating and even fatal consequences. My thoughts go out to the victim who was injured last night, in what was a very traumatic experience. I am pleased that by the effective actions of local police, an individual will be held to account, having been interviewed and released on police bail pending further enquiries. Assaults on police who are working hard to keep communities safe are totally unacceptable, yet all too common.
"Police patrols will be out and about to deter anti-social behaviour across this Halloween period, as well as engage with and support local communities.
"Most people are responsible, but we need to be considerate and mindful of others when it comes to celebrating Halloween. Remember, what might seem like harmless fun to some, may actually feel like anti-social behaviour to others.
"We want everyone to stay safe this Halloween and have a fun, enjoyable night and for many this also involves knowing the law on firework safety to ensure everyone can protect themselves from severe burns and injury.
"Anyone who witnessed what happened yesterday or has mobile, dash-cam or CCTV footage that could help our investigation is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1552 23/10/23."
Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
