Distress flare firing treated as attempted murder

Thursday, 26 November 2009

POLICE are treating the firing of a distress flare in a Harold Hill street last week as attempted murder.

A four-year-old boy was critically injured in the attack in Chatteris Avenue on Saturday, November 14.

The child was walking with his parents and baby sister at about 3.30pm when the flare was launched horizontally and hit him, causing serious internal injuries.

He has since come out of a coma, but is still seriously ill.

Havering CID are seeking more suspects and said they ‘have always believed there was more than one man involved’.

Police are also seeking parts of the flare. Remains were recovered at the scene, but officers are still looking for the outer casing and the end cap of the flare tube, which is about 12 inches long.

Police also want to trace a silver car seen nearby. One line of enquiry is that the flare was thrown from the car.

They are also seeking witnesses to the incident, including a woman who stopped her car and gave first aid, and a young black boy who asked about the boy’s condition.

Witnesses are urged to call Havering CID on 01708 779197 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

• An 18-year-old man from the Harold Hill area was arrested last week in connection with the incident. He has been bailed until December, pending further enquiries.

Email: havering@yellowad.co.uk

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