Burnley boy, 14, burned with firework (From Burnley and Pendle Citizen)

Burnley boy, 14, burned with firework

1:10pm Wednesday 5th November 2008

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By Chris Hopper »

A TERRIFIED mum says she fears her son will be “murdered” on the streets of Burnley after he survived a firework attack by drunken yobs.

Police said Matthew Wignall, 14, was chased by around 20 teenage thugs before being thrown to the ground and kicked.

And he then had a lit firework hurled at him which he batted away with his hand.

Matthew, who lives with mum Sandra, 52, in Randall Street, Burnley, was set upon in a field off Disraeli Street late on Hallowe’en night.

He says he only managed to make it home because he ran across busy Colne Road as the gang of yobs waited for traffic to clear.

His mum then found him “in agony” on the sofa and he was taken by ambulance to Royal Blackburn Hospital for treatment to his burnt finger and bruised ribs.

Mrs Wignall said: “He was rolling in agony and he could not breathe after the attack.

“I thought he was really badly injured. I was petrified.”

Matthew says he was set upon by a gang which has attacked him before following a dispute involving a friend’s cousin.

However, he continues to go out in the evenings in Burnley – leaving his mother at home to worry. Mrs Wignall added: “I am worried about his safety when he goes out.

“I sit in the house thinking about him and worrying.

“I am worrying about whether he has been murdered on the streets. I really fear that he could be killed out there. When I have rung the police in the past they have been helpful but when these kids find out they put your windows through.

“You don’t expect kids to be out on the streets kicking other kids.”

Matthew said: “It is not the worst thing that has happened to me because last year they jumped me on a back street and punched me.

“When I was being attacked I was just thinking, I have got to get away or it will carry on.

“It makes me scared to go out now and I don’t go out round here anymore.”

Sgt Phil Carter, from Burnley police, has urged anyone with information about the attackers, who are aged between 15 and 16, to come forward.

Contact Burnley police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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