Girl escapes flare attack

Stacey was in her room when the flare came through the window

A 13-year-old schoolgirl had a narrow escape after a flare was fired through her bedroom window.

Grampian Police are treating the incident in Fraserburgh on Monday night as an act of reckless conduct.

Stacey Bruce was sitting in her bedroom when the flare smashed through the double glazed window.

It hit a wall in the room and then fell onto the floor where it set bed clothes alight.

Stacey's mother Caroline Bruce said her daughter was "trapped in her room" when the flare came through the window.

She added: "I started screaming her name and at first she didn't reply, so I actually feared the worst but I think she had been in shock for a minute.

It actually hit the wall just inches from where Stacey was sitting, it just missed her head Caroline Bruce, Stacey's mum

"The smoke had disorientated her.

"She tried to make her way out of the door, but she went on to the bed and the bed was actually on fire - so she had to jump over the flames to get out.

"The flare actually came through the double glazing.

"It actually hit the wall just inches from where Stacey was sitting. It just missed her head.

'Reckless act'

"The walls the windows, the floors, and the bed are all damaged.

"I just hope they feel guilty for the trauma they caused us. Luckily, today our daughter is still here but she might not have been."

The kind of flare used can only be bought from specialist suppliers

Stacey's father Alan Bruce, a fisherman, acted quickly to smother the flames while the fire brigade arrived at the house in Mossgiel Way.

Mrs Bruce and Stacey were treated for the effects of smoke inhalation at Fraserburgh Hospital.

The family who live in Mossgiel Way think youths may have been responsible for firing the flare which was a type used by boats in distress.

Grampian Police Inspector Hugh Buchanan said in all of his police service the incident had been the "most irresponsible and reckless" he had seen.

He added: "The consequences could have proved to have been extremely serious."

It is believed that the flare was set off from the Boothby Road/Smiddyhill Road area.

Anyone with any information is urged to phone Fraserburgh Police station on 0845 600 5700 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.