Teenager charged over petrol bomb attack that left police officer with facial burns

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with a series of offences after a police officer was engulfed in flames and suffered burns to his face during a petrol bomb attack in Carrickfergus.

The teenager is due to appear before Belfast Youth Court next month in connection with disorder in the Albert Road area of the town on Tuesday 9 June.

A second officer had their hair singed and experienced breathing difficulties after flames also engulfed a police vehicle during the same attack.

Officer engulfed in flames

Detective Sergeant Cunningham said the injured officer had been responding to disorder when the petrol bomb struck.

“The officer was injured by the petrol bomb on Tuesday, 9th June in the Albert Road area of the town while responding to the disorder.

“He sustained burns to his face after being engulfed in flames – before the fire was extinguished.

“Flames also engulfed a police vehicle as a result of the same attack – resulting in another officer having their hair singed and experiencing breathing difficulties.”

17-year-old arrested in Carrickfergus

Detectives, assisted by Carrickfergus Neighbourhood officers, arrested the 17-year-old in the area on Thursday 10 September.

Police said quantities of suspected Class B and Class C controlled drugs were also seized from the address.

The teenager was subsequently arrested on suspicion of separate drug-related offences, including possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply.

He was later released on bail pending further enquiries into that separate investigation.

Riot and petrol bomb charges

In connection with the petrol bomb attack, the teenager has been charged with offences including riot, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, making a petrol bomb, possessing a petrol bomb, throwing a petrol bomb, criminal damage and assault on police.

He is due to appear before Belfast Youth Court on Monday 5 October.

As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

Detective Sergeant Cunningham added:

“This officer was carrying out his duties to help keep communities safe when he was assaulted during what would have been a terrifying incident. We welcome the charges, which will help ensure accountability for what happened.”

The charges bring the June petrol bomb attack before the courts, while the separate investigation into the suspected controlled drugs seized during Thursday’s arrest remains ongoing.