Warning as youths throw fireworks at each other

The warning comes days after residents and pets at a block of flatsin Craigavon were left ‘petrified’ after fireworks were thrown into a communal hallway on Thursday night.

This attack was just one of many incidents across the Craigavon, Portadown and Lurgan areas involving fireworks and anti-social behaviour.

Sinn Fein Cllr Paul Duffy warned that teenagers and young adults are deliberately throwing fireworks at each other.

He said: “I would urge these young people to think of what they are doing.

“There are serious consequences of a firework accident such as life change damage to your hand or someone’s face.

“These incidents are happening right across the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council Borough and further afield.

“It seems most of these fire works are being bought illegally and not through proper licensed suppliers which heightens the risk further.

“Therefore people selling these illegal fireworks will also be held responsible for their part in causing any injuries.

“The health services are at their limits with the Covid pandemic and can do without unnecessary burn cases.

“Please act responsibly around fireworks in the coming weeks and be mindful of the fireworks code and the restrictions around the covid pandemic.”

Meanwhile the PSNI said it had dealt with numerous calls relating to anti-social behaviour including fireworks being used as in dangerous circumstances, criminal damage, assaults, disorderly behaviour to juvenile intoxication.

Police said groups of up to 60 were gathering in areas around Lurgan.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “The risks of this behaviour can have lasting ramifications, firstly potentially being involved in the criminal justice system at a young age and also in the current health pandemic large gatherings could place the wider community at risk.

“We are taking this opportunity of highlighting the issue to local parents in an effort to try and prevent a repeat of such behaviour this Halloween weekend.

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