Young Girl in Critical Condition After Bonfire Night Horror
A four-year-old girl is fighting for her life in hospital after being struck by a firework in Burnley, Lancashire. The incident occurred on Bonfire Night, Wednesday, November 5th, and has left the local community in shock.
Emergency services were called to the Elm Street area just before 8:50pm following reports that a young child had been hit by a firework and had sustained multiple serious injuries. The girl, who has not been publicly named, was rushed to hospital where she remains in a critical but stable condition.
Teenager Arrested Amid Police Investigation
In a significant development, Lancashire Constabulary confirmed the arrest of a 15-year-old boy from Burnley. He was taken into custody on suspicion of statutory public nuisance.
A police statement clarified that 'The arrest relates to the alleged supply of fireworks'. The teenager remains in police custody as enquiries continue. Authorities are actively appealing for any witnesses to come forward to assist with the investigation.
Police also noted that the area has experienced problems with the anti-social use of fireworks in the past, but stated that 'this year has gone too far'.
Public Outcry and Calls for Firework Ban
The shocking event has sparked a strong public reaction, with many people taking to social media to express their horror and demand stricter controls on fireworks.
One Facebook user wrote, 'Heartbreaking, all my love goes to the little one and her family!', while another commented, 'Why are we selling explosives and rockets to the general public? Ban fireworks unless for a public event.'
This incident is part of a wider pattern of firework misuse reported during the Bonfire Night period. In a separate event in Birmingham, a youth was seen using a 'firework rocket launcher' to shoot at a bus. In another Birmingham incident, young people were reported directing fireworks at pedestrians on a high street.
Anyone with information about the Burnley incident is urged to contact police on 101.
