Man arrested over flare 'attack'

Police believe the distress flare may have been pointed at the family

Police investigating the firing of a distress flare which critically injured a four-year-old boy have arrested a teenager.

An 18-year-old man is being held in connection with the attempted murder of the child, Scotland Yard said.

The boy is fighting for his life in hospital after being hit by the flare while walking with his family in Romford, east London, on Saturday.

The boy is understood to have suffered severe internal injuries.

Officers found the remains of a hand-held rocket flare at the scene.

The boy was struck as he walked with his parents and baby sister along Chatteris Avenue, in Harold Hill, east London, on Saturday afternoon.

Police said the family may have been targeted as the flare was fired horizontally rather than vertically.

A Metropolitan (Met) police spokesman earlier said: "We believe this thing may have been pointed at this group."

His parents are absolutely devastated, they are going through hell at the moment Det Insp David Cavanagh

"We do not believe it is something that has gone off by accident. It was wet and windy and there were very few people around."

Det Insp David Cavanagh, from Havering police, said: "The lad was placed in a lady's car until paramedics arrived and he was taken to hospital.

"Another Good Samaritan took the mum to the hospital.

"His parents are absolutely devastated, they are going through hell at the moment."

On Sunday, police said they were keen to speak to potential witnesses, who they believe can help their inquiries into the incident.

"Firstly, we would like to hear from a woman who stopped her car and administered first aid to the boy and was even willing to take the child to hospital prior to the paramedics arriving and taking the boy," said Det Insp Cavanagh.

"Secondly, we are keen to trace a person described to us as a young black boy who was inquiring with people at the scene as to how the boy was, but left prior to the arrival of police," he added.