Kids as young as 12 throwing fireworks at cars
By Orla Mullan
Children as young as 12 years-old launched fireworks at cars and pedestrians in Dungiven on Saturday evening, it has been claimed.
The youths were spotted by Sinn Féin councillor Sean McGlinchey early on Saturday evening.
Mr McGlinchey, who has reported the matter to the PSNI, said some of those involved were launching fireworks from behind a wall at Dungiven Health Centre.
Last night Councillor McGlinchey warned that their actions could cause ‘serious injury’ to motorists or those walking in the area.
He also called on parents to ‘take more responsibility and be more aware of what their children are doing’.
He said he was shocked to discover that some of those involved were as young as 12 years-old.
Speaking to the County Derry Post, he said: “I was out walking with my daughter at around 8.30pm on Saturday evening and I witnessed these young people throwing fireworks at cars travelling down the town. If someone is driving down the road and a firework hit their car it would be enough to put them off the road. It’s just stupidity and complete arrogance and someone will be badly hurt if this does not stop.”
Councillor McGlinchey says he believes the children involved are purchasing fireworks off someone living locally.
“I believe that someone is selling these fireworks to these young children, how else would they get them? I would urge anyone who has any information on this to bring it to either myself or the PSNI. I would also encourage parents to become more aware of where their children are at and what they are up to.”
Meanwhile, SDLP MLA John Dallat has said young people using illegal fireworks in Limavady are making life a ‘living hell’ for families with young children.
He says those who are profiting from selling these ‘illegal and highly dangerous items’ need to be reported to the police and the local council.
Speaking last night, he said: “We are still a considerable time away from Halloween, the traditional period when these things appear, but those involved are already throwing them at houses up to 2am in the morning.
“This is making life a living hell for families with young children as well as causing stress to many others and people’s pets are seriously frightened.”
He concluded: “I have received some information which may lead to the identity of those throwing fireworks from cars and have passed this information onto the police. However, it is essential that we find out who is making quick money out of selling these antisocial items in the first place. Without the availability of illegal fireworks, they could not be used in this indiscriminate manner.
“If people wish to have a fireworks event, they must apply to the local council for a permit and their use must be supervised by responsible adults in an environment where they do not cause distress to others.
“Illegal fireworks do not conform to European Standards and are highly dangerous. Children have been left blind, have lost fingers and been disfigured for life. This is antisocial behaviour at its worst and I have asked the PSNI to step up their patrols in an effort to identify those involved in these antisocial acts.”