Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Read more
A teenager has been arrested after a four-year-old girl was left fighting for her life in hospital when she was struck by a firework.
The child remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition following the incident in Burnley, Lancashire, on Bonfire Night last week.
Police were called shortly before 8.50pm to the Elm Street area of the town on Wednesday following a report that the girl had been struck by a firework and suffered a number of serious injuries.
On Monday, Lancashire Constabulary said: “Today we have arrested a 15-year-old boy from Burnley on suspicion of statutory public nuisance.
“The arrest relates to the alleged supply of fireworks and he remains in custody at this time.
“We are continuing to appeal for witnesses.
“Anyone with information or footage can email burnley.npt@lancashire.police.uk or call 101 and quote log 492 of 5th November 2025.”
Police have said that the area had seen previous anti-social use of fireworks, but added “this year has gone too far”.