Boy, five, 'petrified' after teens shoot fireworks at buildings

A mum says her five-year-old son has been left petrified to go to the park after teens set off fireworks and aimed them at buildings. The mum, who does not want to be named, had taken her son to Croxteth Park on Sunday when a group of teenagers started setting off fireworks, leaving her son frightened.

Footage of a group of teens in Croxteth Hall Park has been shared with the ECHO. In one of the clips you can see smoke which looks to have come from a firework. The mum claims the group were firing them towards the children’s pirate ship and “frightening” small children, who were playing in the park.

Merseyside Police confirmed it was called to Croxteth Park on Sunday, September 29 following reports of fireworks being let off. When officers arrived they found a group of youths in St Mary’s Church car park, aiming fireworks at buildings.

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The mum, who's son has been left "petrified," told the ECHO: “We left the park because we were there and they started setting them off right by the play area. My little one was petrified and another mum left because her two children [aged two and three] were crying their eyes out.

“My son is terrified of loud noises and shouting, he’s really frightened of anything loud or any banging.”

She claims fireworks are being set off in Croxteth park most evenings, as well as in Norris Green Park. She said: “It’s happening nearly every evening, all the residents are at their wits end. My son is trying to learn to ride his bike and scooter at the moment and we just can’t go anywhere because of this behaviour.”

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: “We can confirm officers dispersed a group of youths in Croxteth Park on Sunday evening (29 September) following reports of fireworks being directed at buildings in the area. We were called at 6.05pm to a report of youths gathered in the car park of St Mary’s Church, Croxteth Hall Lane aiming fireworks at buildings.

"Officers attended and a number of males were detained and searched at the scene, with no further fireworks found. Additional high visibility patrols were deployed to the area and there were no further reports of fireworks being let off."

Neighbourhood Inspector Chris Taylor said: “We know how frustrating anti-social behaviours such as this can be for local residents and park users of all ages. We are determined to ensure Croxteth Park and the wider community remains a safe and enjoyable place to live and visit.

“Following these reports, our officers deployed to the area and many of the youths dispersed upon seeing patrols, while others were detained and searched for any remaining fireworks."

Anyone with information about anti-social behaviour in their area is asked to DM @MerPolCC, message ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook’ or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111. You can also pass information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.