Help Sought After Distress Flare Attack

Police officers investigating the attempted murder of a four-year-old boy are appealing for help in tracing the remains of the distress flare that caused his critical injuries.

They have released details of a flare similar to that used during the attack in Chatteris Avenue, Harold Hill on Saturday 14 November.

It is hand-held parachute rocket distress flare, about 12 inches long, and is commonly used on sailing boats to raise the alarm by those in trouble.

Police have recovered some parts of the flare from the scene but it's believed the outer casing is still missing.

A 18-year-old male from the Harold Hill area has been arrested in connection with the attempted murder of a four-year-old boy, who was hit by the flare.

He was arrested yesterday afternoon, Monday 16 November and is currently in custody at an east London police station.

Police were called by the London Ambulance Service shortly after 3.30pm after they had taken a four-year-old boy to Queen's Hospital, Romford.

He was initially believed to have been struck by a firework.

The boy was subsequently transferred to a central London hospital where he remains in a critical but stable condition.

Forensic officers attended and found evidence of what is believed to be the remains of a hand-held parachute-assisted rocket flare.

At this early stage it is understood that the boy was walking with his mother, father and baby sister - who was in a pushchair - on Chatteris Avenue when he was struck by the flare. It is believed it was discharged horizontally rather than vertically.

Detective Inspector David Cavanagh, who is leading the investigation, said: "There are two potential witnesses that we are keen to speak to, whom we believe can help our enquiries into this horrific incident.

"Firstly, we would like to hear from a woman who stopped her car and administered first aid to the boy and was even willing to take the child to hospital prior to the paramedics arriving and taking the boy.

"Secondly, we are keen to trace a person described to us as a young black boy who was enquiring with people at the scene as to how the boy was, but left prior to the arrival of police at the scene.

"If you are one of these people or you know who they may be, please call us.

"We are also keen to hear from anyone who was in or around the area around at the time of the incident who may have seen or heard anything they though might be suspicious.

"It is possible that they could information, no matter who big or small they think it is, that could assist our enquiries and urge them to contact us."

Any witnesses or anyone with information are being urged to call Havering CID on 01708 779197; or to remain anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

(BMcC/KMcA)