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Warning from transport
Police after guide dog traumatised when "bang snaps" thrown onto train
THE British Transport Police, on Merseyside,
have issued a warning in the run up to Bonfire night after a guide dog was left
distressed when bang snaps, a type of firework, were thrown onto a train.
The dog was accompanying its partially sighted owner on the train from Broad
Green to Earlestown when the doors opened at St Helens Junction station and a
group of children threw bang snaps inside the carriage, terrifying passengers.
On impact with the ground the bang snaps make a loud crack similar to a cap gun.
The volume of the bang which went off in close proximity to the dog startled it
and left both the dog and its owner visibly shaken.
Police are now appealing for witnesses to the incident in a bid to find those
responsible. The incident occurred on Thursday, 27 October 2016, on the 5.29pm
Broad Green to Manchester Victoria service.
Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on:- 0800
40 50 40, or text:- 61016, quoting reference:- '150 of 03/11/2016'.
Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity
Crimestoppers on:- 0800 555 111.
Officers are also issuing a stern warning to anyone who plays with fireworks,
particularly in the vicinity of the railway, reminding them that they can cause
injury and death if used carelessly or maliciously.
Pc Alex Jones said:- "In this instance the animal was left extremely
distressed by a stupid prank. We believe around 6 young children were involved,
aged around 12 years old. Pranks like these can go horribly wrong and result in
horrific consequences. I would urge parents to speak to their children about the
safe use of fireworks and to make sure they know where their children are
hanging about, particularly during the winter nights. Above all else is it vital
they reinforce the message that fireworks are not toys and the railway is not a
playground."
We would like to point out that these caps are
not illegal, but can not be sold to anyone under the age of 16. They are
classed as Category 1 Fireworks under the UK classifications. |
