2 weeks Ago
Police have issued a warning that a schoolgirl has been "wrongly named" in relation to an incident in which four girls suffered burns on Halloween. The f our young girls suffered potentially life-changing injuries in a fire which the emergency services later stated had started by accident in a fast-food restaurant toilet area. Police have refused to explain the nature of the incident, which happened at Wendy’s in Brighton’s Western Road.
They have not made it clear whether this is because they are unaware of the details or have decided not to release more information. Speculation on social media has now led to a young girl being wrongly named as being involved, Brighton police stated last night. The Argus has seen posts where the schoolgirl has been named.
And police have now appealed for people to not speculate. A spokesman said: "We are aware of inaccurate speculation relating to the fire at Wendy’s restaurant in Brighton last week. "Four girls were seriously injured during this incident on October 31 and are receiving hospital treatment.
"We urge the public not to speculate about this incident, which has had a profound impact on the children involved. "The public should also be aware of incorrect information relating to a young girl who has been wrongly named on social media. She was not involved in this incident.
"We can confirm there is no evidence of any third party involvement and this was confirmed at the time by both fire and attending officers. "The incident is being treated as non-suspicious, and we can further confirm that no fireworks were involved in the incident." That police statement was shared on the Brighton police Facebook page and then after continued speculation they banned comments in response to that Facebook post.
They then added: "Due to continued speculation, we have taken the decision to turn off comments on this post to safeguard those involved. "We can confirm an investigation is underway and is being carried out with the support of the fire service. This has already included a review of CCTV footage from inside the premises and engagement with several witnesses.
"We would once again ask the public to refrain from speculation and from re-sharing a social media post naming a young girl who was not involved in the incident." Following the incident a spokeswoman for the fire service said no fireworks had been involved. The fire service said: “We were called at 8.
28pm 31 October 2024 to reports of an incident at Wendy’s on Western Road in Brighton. “Three fire engines, an aerial Appliance and specialist officers attended and assisted our emergency services partners in making a property safe. “ESFRS left the scene shortly after 10.
15pm and Sussex Police remained on scene. “CCTV footage has been reviewed as part of the investigation and we can confirm the cause was accidental, and that fireworks were not involved.” Some people claimed they had heard a loud bang coming from the toilet area of the Wendy’s restaurant on Halloween evening.
Also following the incident, a spokesman for Sussex Police said: "It was reported that four people sustained burns following an incident in the restaurant’s toilet area. "Although their injuries are considered serious, they remain in a stable condition and have been taken to hospital for treatment. "A temporary road closure was implemented in Western Road to allow emergency vehicles to attend the scene.
This has since been lifted. "Police presence is currently enhanced in the area, and we ask anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information to report it online, or by calling 101 quoting reference 1241 of 31/10.".
