Bonfire Night Celebration Turns to Carnage in Burnley
A community in Burnley, Lancashire, has been left reeling after a Bonfire Night celebration descended into violent chaos, leaving a four-year-old girl in a critical condition in hospital. Residents reported scenes of mayhem as large groups of teenagers, estimated to be up to 100 strong, ran through the streets firing powerful fireworks at each other.
'Worst It Has Ever Been': Residents Describe the Terror
Locals in the Elm Street area, which includes a business park and open space, described the evening of November 5th as the most frightening they have ever experienced. Riz Zahid, 38, said the scale of the fireworks was unprecedented. "It wasn't just the little rockets we used to have when we were kids," he stated. "These fireworks were huge and they kept firing rockets one after another. You really did take your life into your own hands going on there."
Another long-term resident, Azhar Iqbal, 50, who has lived in the area for 22 years, confirmed the severity of the incident. "This year was the worst it's ever been," he said. "There were at least 100 teenagers running around setting fireworks off. They were on the health centre and business centre car parks, firing the rockets at each other. One group would set fire rockets off and then the other would fire back at them." Mr Iqbal added that it appeared the youths were using some form of launcher to aim at one another.
Police Manhunt for Masked Suspect Launched
In response to the incident, Lancashire Police have launched a major manhunt. They have released CCTV images of a masked youth they wish to identify in connection with the firework that critically injured the young girl. The suspect is seen in the footage wearing a dark gilet and a hooded top, both with and without the mask he used to cover his face.
The force confirmed that officers were called to the area following several reports of anti-social behaviour involving fireworks. A spokesperson emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating: "We are aware this area has seen previous anti-social use of fireworks but this year has gone too far, resulting in a child being hospitalised."
The police are urgently appealing to the public for information, asking the community to "do the right thing" and help identify the suspect. The injured child remains in a critical condition, though further details about the extent of her injuries or how she came to be in the area have not been disclosed. Anyone with information is asked to email the police, quoting investigation reference 04/189049/25.
