A young mum was left shocked and frightened after a boy threw a firework on Saturday night which landed close to her two-year-old daughter's face. Helen Whitmarsh told the Ross Gazette that all she can think about are the 'what ifs', what if it had burnt her daughter, Isabel's face or what if it had landed in the pram or on her baby, Jacob.

She said the incident ruined firework night this year for the family and it will spoil it for the future. She said:?"We will never go to a public display again."

Helen, her partner, Lee Lusty and their children, five-year-old Thomas, Isabel and Jacob had decided to spend the evening at the Chase Hotel for the Lions Firework Display with their friends and other family members.

They were not the only people to report incidents of anti-social behaviour at various locations around Ross but their experience seems to have been the most potentially dangerous to innocent onlookers.

On Saturday night, November 3rd, the family found a place near to the bonfire and were waiting for the display to begin. They heard an announcement over the PA system and knew there was about 15 minutes to go when suddenly they heard a huge bang. Helen said there was no warning but they thought the display had started when she saw a glittering light on her brother-in-law's coat. She said it looked like something which had fallen from a fire and was glowing red."

Her brother-in-law, Darren Glanville, was holding his niece Isabel in his arms at the time so he flicked it away and it fell to the floor where it exploded. This was close to Thomas and Helen's friend's daughter, Lily.

Helen said:?"Isabel was shocked and Thomas was trying to be brave but Lily was hysterical and shaking.

Her mother told the Gazette that she was very upset for the rest of the evening and unable to sleep.

Helen added:?"We could see a group of youngsters and one of the girls with them said:?'What's the big deal, it's only a few fireworks.'"

For the rest of this story please see this week's Ross Gazette.

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