Fears growing amid reports fireworks thrown at moving traffic in Craigavon and near children in a play park in Lurgan
Fears are growing that someone may be seriously injured after reports of youths throwing fireworks at oncoming traffic in Craigavon while others are letting off fireworks near children in a play park.
Lurgan Sinn Fein Cllr Jude Mallon revealed he received ‘concerning’ reports of fireworks being thrown at oncoming traffic on Brownlow Road, close to the entrance to Drumellan.
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"This is extremely dangerous. Fireworks can cause serious injuries, and throwing them at moving vehicles could result in a serious collision with devastating consequences.
"I would ask parents and guardians to please speak to your children about the dangers and seriousness of this behaviour. A few seconds of recklessness could have lifelong consequences.”
Meanwhile DUP Cllr Peter Haire said received reports of children setting off fireworks in the Play Park at Lurgan Park on Monday evening.
"I called down myself to see what was happening and, to my great concern, witnessed a firework being set off while families and children were in the play park.
"This was reckless and completely unacceptable behaviour. The firework could have gone anywhere and could potentially have caused serious injury to children and families using the park.
"When I confronted those involved, they ran off through the gates towards Windsor Avenue.
"I am once again calling on the Council to install CCTV cameras in Lurgan Park. Those responsible need to be identified and, where appropriate, dealt with to the full extent of the law.
"Our parks should be safe places for families and children to enjoy — this type of behaviour cannot be allowed to continue.”
A number of residents have raised concerns about ongoing firework incidents in the Taghnevan area of Lurgan including at the play park. Some claim youths are throwing fireworks at other children.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police received a report at around 7.45pm on Monday, 14th September of youths throwing fireworks at traffic in the Brownlow Road area of Craigavon.
"Officers attended the scene and checked the area, however, there was no sign of any young people.”
Reports were also received of youths lighting fireworks in the Windsor Avenue and Glenholme Avenue areas of Lurgan at the weekend. Officers attended and searched the areas, however, no young people were located.
Inspector Walker said: “Fireworks are made from explosive material and, if misused, can cause serious and life-changing injuries.
“With this type of activity, there is subsequently a very real risk of someone being injured – both those using the fireworks and also, other members of the public who are in the area.”
He said it illegal to possess, sell, handle or use fireworks if you don’t have a licence with fines of up to £5,000 possible
“As Hallowe’en approaches, our officers will be carrying out operations in areas where it’s suspected that fireworks are being sold illegally. If this type of activity is happening where you live, or you witness it, please report it to police on the 101 number, always 999 in an emergency.
“I would also ask parents and guardians to speak with their young people about where they are and who they’re with, and to warn them of the dangers of getting involved in this type of behaviour. Ultimately, they could end up with a criminal record which may impact their future employment and travel prospects.”