A toddler aged under two sustained a burn to her forearm after a firework exploded near her in Carrickmore, County Tyrone, on Saturday night, police said.
Incident outside petrol station
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the girl required hospital treatment following the incident in the Main Street area. Officers received a report that a group of young people were throwing fireworks outside a petrol station at around 8.30pm.
Local Policing Inspector McDonagh said: "One firework which they threw into the road partially exploded and then bounced back, exploding for a second time beside a child who was in the area with her parents."
Appeal for witnesses
Inspector McDonagh added: "It's only by sheer luck that the consequences of this reckless act weren't even more serious. The irresponsibility of throwing fireworks near a petrol station is shocking."
Police said four teenage boys wearing dark-coloured tracksuits were believed to be involved. The force is appealing for anyone with information about those responsible to come forward.
Individuals can contact police on 101 or use the online witness appeal form, quoting reference 1724 of 31/10/26. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through its website.
