 Injuries caused by fireworks rose by more than 50% |
Firework injuries over the Halloween period rose by more than 50% in Northern Ireland last year. According to figures published by the government on Friday, 86 people suffered wounds in the period between 11 October and 12 November 2005.
Nearly three-quarters of those injured were under 20 and 90% of them were male.
The most common injuries were to the hands and wrists, followed by the face, head or neck area.
Thirteen children aged 10 or younger were injured.
Health Minister Shaun Woodward urged people to pay "serious attention" to the figures.
"These figures should be going down not up," he said.
"We must seriously address these findings and encourage a more responsible and careful attitude to fireworks."
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