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Man remains in hospital after being hurt in firework attack in north Belfast take-away

A firework was thrown into the take-away on Alliance Avenue in north Belfast. Picture by Ann McManus
A firework was thrown into the take-away on Alliance Avenue in north Belfast. Picture by Ann McManus A firework was thrown into the take-away on Alliance Avenue in north Belfast. Picture by Ann McManus

A MAN was still recovering in hospital on Sunday night after he was struck by a large firework thrown into a take-away in north Belfast.

The victim was in the Oh My Cod chip shop on Alliance Avenue when the rocket was put through the door at around 9.15pm on Friday.

The firework is believed to have exploded close to the man, who was the only customer in the shop at the time.

Staff and passers-by ran to his aid and took him where they administered first aid.

He was taken to hospital where he is recovering from his injuries.

It is understood he may need surgery following the attack.

SDLP assembly member Nichola Mallon said she had spoken to the victim who had been left stunned.

"The gentleman is very shocked and his family are very distressed," she said.

"He simply went round to a local chippy... and never for one moment did anyone think that anything like this would happen.

"It's not clear what the motive was, but sadly around Halloween, we do see an increase in the use of fireworks."

Speaking to the Irish News, Nichola Mallon said she understood the customer had sustained slight burns and had been taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital.

Sinn Féin councillor JJ Magee added his condemnation.

"This incident in which a firework was thrown into a chip shop in Alliance Avenue injuring a man was wrong and must be condemned. 

"Hopefully the injured man will make a full and speedy recovery but it must have been a very traumatic experience. 

"Fireworks can cause serious injury and should be used responsibly. 

"I would call on anyone who knows anything about this to get in contact with the police."

A PSNI spokeswoman appealed for information.

"Detectives are appealing for information following an incident at a fast food outlet on Alliance Avenue, Belfast.

"At approximately 9.15pm a man was struck by a large firework rocket which had been dropped through the doorway by an unknown male. 

"He was taken to hospital, where he remains, for treatment to his injuries.

"Detective Sergeant Michael Hawthorne would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or anyone who has information about it to contact Detectives at Reactive and Organised Crime, Musgrave on the non-emergency number 101 quoting reference 1319 14/10/16.

"Alternatively, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111."