Firework with ball-bearings attached explodes under car in Middleton

Firework with ball-bearings attached explodes under car

Detectives in Rochdale have released CCTV footage of the moment when a large firework containing ball bearings exploded under a car in Middleton.

Just before 9.30pm on Monday 19 November 2007 police were called to the Bargain Booze on Boarshaw Road following reports of the incident.

On arrival officers found the manager of the shop had been inside with a customer when he heard a loud bang outside the door.

When he went out to investigate he saw lots of ball bearings scattered over the floor, and the remains of the firework.

He had not seen the explosion, but it was caught on the CCTV from his shop.

The man gathered up some of the evidence, and called police. Nobody was injured in this incident, and only minor damage was caused to the car.

Detective Inspector Daryl Chadwick said: "Although we think the car was the intended target, it was incredibly lucky that nobody was seriously injured or worse by this device. We're treating this as an isolated incident but are determined to find the person responsible to prevent it happening again.

"There are a couple of people caught on the CCTV who might have witnessed this incident, and we'd appeal to them to come forward. If you know anything about it please contact us immediately. Remember that any information you give us can be passed in confidence to Crimestoppers."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4644 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

View video footage: Middleton_Fireworks_Nov_07.wmv