Teenager arrested after person is struck by firework

Date published: 31 October 2018


Police have confirmed they arrested a teenager yesterday (Tuesday) after a member of the public was hit by a firework in Ashton.

The incident is understood to have happened at King George V playing fields on Canterbury Street on Monday night (October 29) when a member of the public was hit by the explosive.

Officers have taken to social media to appeal for anyone who witnessed what happened to contact them.

The incident happened at about 7pm while the victim was walking through the playing fields.

They didn’t suffer any serious injuries, while the 16-year-old has been held on suspicion of attempted GBH.

It comes just days after the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, Ian Hopkins, called for fireworks to be banned from being sold to members of the public following a number of reports of incidents in Tameside in recent weeks.

Mr Hopkins claims only those putting on professional displays should be allowed to buy them.

Almost two weeks ago two teenagers were arrested in Tameside after a firework was fired at a house in Ashton, smashing through an upstairs window and setting fire to a bed.

On GMP Ashton's Facebook page, Inspector Derbyshire said: “We've arrested a male juvenile this morning for Attempted GBH in relation to an incident last night at King George V playing fields (Canterbury St) where a member of the public was hit by a firework fired at them.

“Thankfully no serious injury but could obviously have been far worse.

"We are keen to speak with other witnesses that may have been nearby. Please direct message us if you can help (or use GMP website LiveChat or 101 quoting incident ref 1627 29.10.18).

“#OpDesperado patrols with you throughout this week providing as much coverage of key locations as we can.”


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