Appeals After Boy Burnt In Bangor Attack

Appeals have been made for information after a young boy was attacked with an ignited aerosol spray in North Down.

Eleven-year-old Connor Officer had to be rushed to the Ulster Hospital after the incident, which burned part of his face.

The boy will now have to be examined by a skin specialist to assess the damage to his flesh.

Connor was playing with friends on Crochan Court, in the Rathgael area of Bangor, on Wednesday night when an older boy approached him.

It is alleged the attacker sprayed a flammable substance in Connor’s face then set it alight.

Connor's mother Anne-Marie said she thinks it was a deliberate attack.

"I think this person did deliberately go out and do it, so if it was not Connor it probably would have been some other kid," she said.

"I just want to appeal for anyone that witnessed it to come forward," added Ms Officer.

Connor is due to be examined by a specialist at the Royal Victoria Hospital next week.

Local MLA Alex Easton condemned the attack and said there were concerns about a rise in anti-social behaviour in the area.

"This child could not only have been burnt and scarred, they could have lost their sight," said the Assemblyman.

(PR)