A moment of carelessness with fireworks can lead to “lifetime problems”, one of the North’s leading plastic surgeons has warned. Halloween.

Mr Alastair Brown, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Ulster Hospitalsaid he sees fireworks-related injuries every year around Halloween, and many are “life-changing” for the victims.

He urged people to be aware of the dangers of handling fireworks, including sparkers, and stressed they should never be treated as “toys”.

“They may look fancy with their packaging, but they are dangerous explosives and should be handled as such,” he said.

“Even sparks can cause significant injury – they burn at very high temperatures. Clothes can catch fire, resulting in severe burns.”

Mr Brown has worked at Ulster Hospital’s plastic surgery unit for more than 10 years and said most fireworks injuries are to the hands and face.

His warnings come after a A 12-year-old west Belfast boy was hit in the face with a firework earlier this monthleaving him to require emergency surgery around his eye.

“Every year, the people we see presenting have life-changing injuries,” he said.

“Fireworks injuries can cause severe scarring in areas such as the face or injuries to the hands, affecting the way you work, socialize and live. Patients may need years of surgery and treatment, and often this can only partially correct the damage that has been caused. In the most extreme circumstances, the injuries can be life-threatening and even blind.”

Mr Brown said anyone using fireworks should “treat them with the utmost respect”.

“The majority of fireworks injuries we see are preventable and are caused by careless or improper use,” he added.

“Never let your guard down when using fireworks – follow the instructions and the fireworks code. A moment’s carelessness can cause a lifetime of trouble for you or someone else.”