Northumbria Police has condemned the behaviour of a group of teens responsible for seriously injuring a teenager and a police officer in a Bonfire Night attack that left both with serious burns and hearing loss.

On Saturday (November 5) at around 10.25pm, officers were in the Southwick area of Sunderland carrying out patrols when they stopped two males, aged 14 and 17, on Carlisle Terrace.

While police were speaking with the pair, a group of around ten other males appeared nearby on Davison Terrace and began aiming rockets towards the two teenagers and the officers.

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According to officers, the group launched several rockets, with one striking the 14-year-old and injuring his upper arm.

It then reportedly ricocheted onto one of the officers, exploding on his side, causing serious burns to his arm and torso.

The officer and the boy also have hearing loss and possible perforated ear drums.

The other boy had a firework explode near his face but was not seriously injured.

During the incident the officers and the two youths managed to take cover behind a police vehicle which had its windows smashed.

The Northern Echo: The police officer's arm following the shocking attack. Picture: NORTHERN ECHOThe police officer's arm following the shocking attack. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Further rockets were launched toward them despite it being obvious that one officer and one of the boys had been struck and injured.

As further police units arrived on scene, the offenders fled.

An investigation has been launched in a bid to identify and arrest those responsible.

Following the shocking incident, chief superintendent Neil Hutchison, of Northumbria Police, has condemned the actions of the officers involved.

He said: “This is disgraceful behaviour, and we will not tolerate it.

“Bonfire Night is not an excuse to carry out dangerous acts of violence. An extensive investigation is now underway to ensure those responsible face the consequences.

The Northern Echo: A police car had its windows put through during the attack. Picture: NORTHUMBRIA POLICEA police car had its windows put through during the attack. Picture: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

“This senseless attack has left one young person with a serious and potentially life changing injury to his ear, while our officer has serious burns and potential hearing damage. Thankfully the other young person and the other officers present were not seriously injured. I wish to offer all those hurt my best wishes for a full recovery.

“Officers are in the area conducting enquiries including reviewing CCTV footage and door-to-door enquiries.

He added: “Today (Monday) we are asking for anyone who thinks they have information about what happened to get in touch. Any detail, no matter how small, could really help.

“We believe the group involved have also been responsible for other pockets of disorder carried out that night around the Southwick area. We’re asking for anyone with information to get in touch and are especially keen to hear from anyone with dashcam footage from the area, between the times of 6pm and 10.40pm, as this could really aid our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101, or using the Tell us Something page on Northumbria Police’s website, quoting reference NP-20221105-1297.

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