This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/7694834.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Firework blast boy in operation Firework blast boy in operation
(about 1 hour later)
A 10-year-old boy from County Down who lost four fingers in a firework explosion last Friday has had an operation to try to save his hand.A 10-year-old boy from County Down who lost four fingers in a firework explosion last Friday has had an operation to try to save his hand.
It is believed the boy, from Dromore, had been holding a number of fireworks which were taped together.It is believed the boy, from Dromore, had been holding a number of fireworks which were taped together.
Surgeons carried out a skin graft on Monday in the hope of saving the thumb on the boy's right hand. Surgeons have carried out a skin graft on Monday in the hope of saving the thumb on the boy's right hand.
Plastic surgeon Alister Brown, who operated on the boy, said it was a "particularly horrific incident".
"The majority of his hand is now useless - he has only his thumb left, this will affect his hobbies, his job, everything to do with his hand function," he said.
"It was his dominant hand and it's a horrific injury."
Burns
He said his department dealt with many blast and burns injuries caused by fireworks.
"It's sad because these are preventable," he said.
"It has to be remembered that these are explosives, they reach very high temperatures."
Local councillor Carol Black said there was a "total lack of responsibility" from whoever sold the fireworks.Local councillor Carol Black said there was a "total lack of responsibility" from whoever sold the fireworks.
"Children do not see the danger and it is up to us adults to do that for them," she said."Children do not see the danger and it is up to us adults to do that for them," she said.
Police are investigating where the boy obtained the fireworks.Police are investigating where the boy obtained the fireworks.
Chief Inspector Michael McDonald said police would be taking a robust approach to illegal firework dealers.Chief Inspector Michael McDonald said police would be taking a robust approach to illegal firework dealers.
"Police will be out in force over the next few days and after Halloween to ensure we address the dangers of illegal fireworks and promote safety," he said."Police will be out in force over the next few days and after Halloween to ensure we address the dangers of illegal fireworks and promote safety," he said.
Last year, the police seized 80,000 illegal fireworks, resulting in more than 20 prosecutions.Last year, the police seized 80,000 illegal fireworks, resulting in more than 20 prosecutions.