A young boy is in a critical condition in hospital after being struck by a firework on Bonfire Night in Burnley, Lancashire. The incident occurred in the Elm Street area, where police received multiple reports of anti-social behaviour involving fireworks.

Lancashire Police responded to the scene on Wednesday, where they discovered that a child had sustained severe injuries. The boy was immediately rushed to hospital for urgent medical care. In light of this serious incident, the police have released black and white images of a person they wish to speak to and are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying him.

The police stated that the Elm Street area has a history of fireworks misuse, but they emphasised that this particular event "has gone too far". In a post on Facebook, they urged the community to help, saying, "We are aware this area has seen previous anti-social use of fireworks, but this year has gone too far, resulting in a child being hospitalised. We are urging the community to do the right thing and tell us who he is."

Authorities are asking anyone who recognises the individual in the photographs to come forward. Members of the public with information can contact the police, quoting investigation reference 04/189049/25.

In a related incident, two teenagers were also left seriously injured during a fireworks event at a beach in Scarborough on the same evening. Police and paramedics were called to the scene at 7.15pm after reports that fireworks had exploded in the hands and faces of the young individuals, resulting in significant burns.

These incidents highlight ongoing concerns regarding the misuse of fireworks, particularly during the Bonfire Night celebrations, prompting calls for greater community vigilance and safety measures.