Baby burned by firework in pram

Police said the misuse of fireworks was very dangerous

A 10-month-old baby girl suffered burns to her neck after youths threw a lit firework into her pram outside a shop in New Stevenson, North Lanarkshire.

The incident happened at about 1540 GMT on Monday 3 November. The baby's mother had briefly turned her back to check on her 10-year-old son.

Police are looking for two youths in connection with the "mindless" attack.

The baby's father said it was an "absolute miracle" his daughter was not seriously hurt.

The 43-year-old mother had stopped at a shop on Carfin Street near Taylor High School and was waiting outside with the baby while her son went in.

Worried about what was keeping the young boy she went to check on him.

It is an absolute miracle that my daughter was not seriously hurt, the incident has left friends and the family in a state of shock Father

When she returned just a few seconds later she saw sparks coming from the pram and realised a firework had been thrown at her daughter.

The baby's jacket had ignited, and after quickly stripping her clothes off the mother found three small burns on her neck.

She did not, however, require medical attention.

Her father, who did not want to be named, said: "It is an absolute miracle that my daughter was not seriously hurt, the incident has left friends and the family in a state of shock."

'Dangerous horseplay'

Constable Alan Wylie from North Lanarkshire Community Safety team said: "This was a totally mindless act and another example how dangerous horseplay, and the misuse of fireworks, can be.

"It is very fortunate that this young baby was not more seriously hurt."

He added: "The area outside the shops in Carfin was busy at the time, with a lot of school children around. I would urge anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward or contact Crimestoppers."