Firework thrown at child in pushchair in Stratford

A teenage girl has been arrested after trying to let off a firework directly at police in north east London

Officers in full protective gear were called to reports of a large group setting off the explosives near Stratford Bus Station last night.

When police attended the area at 6.24pm they found around 200 people there.

They say fireworks were being let off at random and are aware of a video of one of them exploding near to a woman with a pushchair.

However they say they've not since had a report of any injuries to the child and luckily no-one else seems to have been hurt.

The force is now warning of the dangers of fireworks and urging people to use them safely.

Chief Superintendent Simon Crick, who is in command of policing for Newham and Waltham Forest, said:“This was a very challenging situation and I am proud of the way my officers, supported by teams from across the Met, responded to restore calm.

“Sadly each year around this time we see incidents, often in busy public places, where fireworks are set off in a reckless way causing panic and risking serious injury.

“We were lucky on Monday evening that nobody – either the public or officers – was hurt. We saw from the video where a firework exploded by a pushchair just how real the risk of serious injury could be.

“I would urge anyone who has bought or intends to buy fireworks to remember their responsibility to use them in a way that keeps others safe."

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