A family in Scotland has been left shaken and terrified after a group of individuals targeted their home with fireworks. Kelly-Marie Docherty, along with her partner Mark Flemming and their two children, aged ten and 11, experienced the frightening incident in West Lothian. The family was inside their Whitburn residence when fireworks were launched at their house on Tuesday night, causing chaos and fear.
Footage captured by the family’s ring doorbell shows multiple fireworks being fired at the property from a nearby park. One of the devices even struck the house, emitting sparks across the driveway. Fortunately, nobody was injured, but Kelly-Marie’s car did sustain damage to its windscreen, which will need repairs costing between £400 and £500. The family was alarmed by the loud bangs and the proximity of the fireworks to their home.
Describing the ordeal, Kelly-Marie expressed her terror at witnessing the sparks and loud noises outside her house. The children, upon realizing the danger, ran downstairs, overcome with fear. The incident lasted around ten minutes and only ended when a brave neighbour intervened and chased the perpetrators away. Kelly-Marie highlighted the potential danger of the situation had they been outside at the time.
This incident follows another recent occurrence in Livingston where fireworks were discharged from a moving car, highlighting the hazards associated with these explosives. Kelly-Marie called for stricter regulations on fireworks, citing the dangers they pose when misused. In response, local authorities have been given powers to designate firework control zones (FCZ) to prevent such incidents.
A spokesperson for West Lothian Council emphasised the importance of discouraging irresponsible behaviour and urged anyone with information to report it to the authorities. Discussions on implementing a control zone in the area are ongoing to enhance community safety. The partnership aims to educate and inform residents about firework safety to prevent similar incidents in the future. Police Scotland has been contacted for further comment on the matter.
The family, still reeling from the traumatic event, expressed gratitude that no one was hurt but emphasised the emotional toll it took on them, particularly the children. The community stands united in condemning such reckless actions and advocates for stricter measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its residents.