Police warning over flares at Liverpool parade
BBCLiverpool fans heading to Monday's victory parade are being urged not to set off flares or smoke bombs, after dozens of people were injured - including a three-year-old child - during recent celebrations outside Anfield.
Around 50 people were treated for burns caused by flares being set off after Liverpool clinched the Premier League title against Spurs last month, police and health officials in the city said.
Hundreds of thousands are expected to line the 10-mile (0.6-km) parade route on Monday, and the club has issued a joint plea with the council, police and doctors for people not to use pyrotechnics.
"Some of the injuries we've seen have been absolutely horrific, some life-changing, and we just want to avoid that," Ch Insp Chris Barnes said.
Reuters"Some of these flares, we've been told, can burn up to 2,500C, so they are really really dangerous," he said.
Doctor Bimal Mehta, and emergency department consultant at Alder Hey, said flare burn injuries could cause lifelong scarring and disfigurement, and the smoke can be an irritant for children who suffer with asthma or other breathing problems.
"If the flares or smoke bombs go off in a crowded area where children can't move away from, then they might inhale them and might need to come into hospital for treatment," he said.
"They are designed as distress signals. They're designed to generate a lot of light and heat and smoke to call aid to someone who's in distress.
"They are not designed for use in crowded areas or confined spaces."
Ch Insp Barnes added: "Don't be that parent or guardian that's got to explain to Alder Hey hospital, to the doctor, that your child has got significant injuries due to you giving them a flare.W
He said there would be professional pyrotechnic displays along the parade route.
"Please leave it to the professionals to avoid any injuries and let's make sure everyone enjoys the day," he said.
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