Boy, 12, seriously injured after 'reckless' firework attack

A 12-year-old boy has been taken to hospital for a serious eye injury after he was hit in the face with a firework, police have said.

It happened in the Stewartstown Road area of Dunmurry at about 20:30 BST on Saturday.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it received a report that the boy was struck in the face by a firework "thrown by a group of youths in the area".

Ch Insp Dunne described the incident as a "reckless assault".

"This incident was traumatic to both the young male and his family, who has suffered a serious injury," she added.

Parents and guardians have been asked to speak to young people about "this type of behaviour" as Halloween approaches.

"I would ask parents to consider how they would feel, if this was their child who had endured these injuries," Ch Insp Dunne said.

"They could injure themselves or others, and end up with a criminal record which would impact their future employment and travel prospects."

Ch Insp Dunne added officers work closely to "target those involved in the sale of illegal fireworks".

"It is illegal to possess, sell, handle or use fireworks if you do not have a licence. And you can be fined up to £5,000 for breaking the law."

Enquires to identify those involved in the incident are ongoing and police have appealed for information.