Woman suffers burns to face after being struck by firework

By Claudia Savage, PA

A woman has suffered burns and swelling to her face after being struck by a firework in Belfast city centre.

The PSNI said the woman in her 30s was injured by the firework that was aimed at police.

One person has been arrested in relation to the attack.

Superintendent Finola Dornan said officers from the South Belfast Local Policing Team “narrowly avoided serious injury” when a firework was thrown at them on Monday night.

“The firework missed the officers and instead hit a woman in her 30s, who was in the area at the time, and resulted in burns and swelling to her face,” she said.

“Officers provided first aid at the scene, before the woman received medical treatment at hospital.

“Due to the swift action of local police, one person was arrested nearby on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assault on police, possession of fireworks without a licence and possessing an offensive weapon in public.”

The investigation remains ongoing.

A woman, aged in her 30s, required hospital treatment for facial injuries after she was struck by a firework that was aimed at police in south Belfast yesterday evening, Monday 23rd October. Full details here: https://t.co/fGd68bxhxG pic.twitter.com/chPxWY7QTR

— Police South Belfast (@PSNIBelfastS) October 24, 2023

Ms Dornan expressed her support to the victim of the attack, saying that: “Fireworks are dangerous.”

“Their misuse can have a devastating and even fatal consequences,” she said.

“My thoughts go out to the victim who was injured last night, in what was a very traumatic experience.

“I am pleased that by the effective actions of local police, an individual will be held to account, having been interviewed and released on police bail pending further inquiries.

“Assaults on police who are working hard to keep communities safe are totally unacceptable, yet all too common.

“Police patrols will be out and about to deter anti-social behaviour across this Halloween period, as well as engage with and support local communities.

“Most people are responsible, but we need to be considerate and mindful of others when it comes to celebrating Halloween.

“Remember, what might seem like harmless fun to some, may actually feel like anti-social behaviour to others.”

Police have urged anyone who witnessed the attack to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1552 23/10/23.