Sophie Smyth speaks about firework hitting her in the face

Sophie Smyth

Sophie Smyth, the young girl who was hit by a firework at a display at Littleborough Cricket Club, has told Rochdale Online that she is feeling ok after the accident.

Sophie said: “I’m ok but some people at school are laughing at me.”

Sophie has suffered a burn to the right side of her face, which doctors are hoping will heal itself. If not, Sophie will need to undergo a skin graft. She has an appointment with doctors on Monday where it is hoped a decision will be made.

Eleven-year-old Sophie attended the bonfire and firework display at Littleborough Cricket Club on Sunday 3 November with a friend. She said: “All I remember is that I was talking to my friend because I wasn’t sure if we were stood in the right place, but we were. Then fireworks started shooting into the crowd but missed people. Then I saw a little boy fall on the ground so I went to help him and the next thing I saw a big yellow ball coming to me.”

Sophie was helped by an off duty police officer who put ice on her face before being taken to Rochdale Infirmary and on to Manchester Children’s Burns Unit.

Carole Smyth, Sophie’s mum said: “I felt sick when the police were at my door. The worst just goes through your mind.”

An investigation into what happened at the display is currently ongoing by both Rochdale Council and Littleborough Cricket Club. It is believed that the firework that hit Sophie was a rocket.

Carole added: “I didn’t go so I can't comment on what the event was like but I have heard it wasn’t quite up to scratch. We went last year though and it was ok.”

During the display Sophie and her friend were stood in the right place to view the fireworks.

Staff from Littleborough Cricket Club visited Sophie on Tuesday to see how she was doing but no one from Rochdale Council has been in touch with the family. “We have been told investigations are going on by the cricket club and we want to know something when that is found,” said Carole.

The accident has not put Sophie off attending firework displays as she attended one during the week. “I think she just wanted to get over her fear,” said Carole.

“It was ok apart from the big yellow ones. I went inside for those ones. I did want a sparkler but my friend said no not yet,” added Sophie.

The Wardle High School pupil has also not been put off attending displays at the cricket club. Sophie added: “I would go again but I might just stay near the bonfire.”

Littleborough Cricket Club said: “Littleborough Cricket Club will not be issuing a statement with regards to the incident that occurred at the firework display until a full investigation has taken place.”

A spokesperson for Rochdale Council said: “We are aware of this incident and are currently investigating.”

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/83470/child-hit-by-firework-at-littleborough-cricket-club