Petrol bomb thrown at 11 year-old
An 11 year-old has suffered serious burns after a petrol bomb was thrown at him yesterday.
Kevin Grant’s t-shirt was set on fire and he suffered second degree burns to his back and side during the incident which occurred at around 4.45 p.m. at a play park in Creggan. He is currently receiving treatment in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
Sinn Fein’s Kevin Campbell who spoke with the boy’s mother said he was shocked by the incident.
“We could have been dealing with a fatality here,” he said. “His mother is distraught and cannot understand why anyone would be in a playpark with a petrol bomb. This is an absolutely insane incident.”
It’s understood that the bottle used has been taken away for examination by forensics.
Police believe boys, described as around 12 or 13 years old were involved in the incident and have appealed for them or anyone who can identify them to come forward.
SDLP Councillor Jim Clifford said the local community is in shock.
“A petrol bomb is as dangerous as a gun and this incident could have even resulted in a fatality.
“I wish this young boy a speedy recovery and would urge anyone with information on this serious attack to pass it on to the police immediately.”
