Five arrested after firework attack on police and teenagers in Sunderland

Officers have arrested five people as part of an ongoing investigation into a rocket assault which left an officer and a 14-year-old seriously injured.

On Saturday (November 5) at around 10.25pm, officers were on patrol in the Southwick area when they stopped two teenagers on Carlisle Terrace. While they were speaking with the pair, another group of around 10 males appeared nearby on Davison Terrace and began aiming rockets at them.

Several fireworks were launched by the group – with one hitting the 14-year-old and injuring his upper arm.

The rocket then ricocheted onto one of the officers and exploded on his side, causing serious burns to his arm and torso. The officer and the boy also suffered hearing loss and possible perforated ear drums.

The other boy had a firework explode near his face but was thankfully not seriously injured.

The offenders made off from the scene while the injured teens and officers took cover behind a police vehicle.

"We are absolutely appalled by this incident"

An investigation was launched and a number of enquiries have already been carried out, including a review of CCTV and yesterday (Monday), a public appeal for information was launched.

Officers also believe the group involved were responsible for other pockets of disorder in the Southwick area which started at around 6pm.

So far, four males, aged between 14 and 19 and a 34-year-old woman have been arrested in connection with the incident and remain in police custody at this time.

Detective Chief Inspector Sean McGuigan, the Senior Investigating Officer said:

“We are absolutely appalled by this incident and will not stop until we find all those responsible.

“We can confirm we have arrested five people in connection with this attack and our enquiries are progressing at a rapid-pace.

“To help us ensure all those responsible are identified and brought to justice, we’d once again ask the public for their cooperation and support and ask anyone who is yet to come forward, to get in touch.

“We’d also be keen to hear from anyone who has seen footage or posts about this incident on social media or anyone who might have seen similar behaviour that night in the local area from 6pm to this incident to come forward.

“The cooperation from the public so far has been fantastic, and I would like to thank the community and everyone who has got in touch for their assistance.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101, or using the ‘Tell Us Something’ page on our website, quoting reference NP-20221105-1297.

You can also submit dashcam footage direct to our website here: Dashcam : Online Services : Northumbria Police

Alternatively you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Hear all the latest news from across the North East on the hour, every hour, on 97.1FM, 103FM DAB, at metroradio.co.uk, and on the Metro Radio app.