Quick-thinking boy douses flames as teenage gang sets him on fire

Gabriel Wishart was sprayed by a group of teenage boys in a park in York, who then set his clothes on fire, in an incident police last night described as “extremely concerning”.

Fortunately the youngster 
managed to drop to the floor 
and roll in the snow to put out the fire.

Gabriel’s father, Peter Wishart, 36, a Tesco worker, said: “Gabriel was just walking through the park at the time but they sprayed him on his leg and set it alight. I’m pleased he thought quickly and rolled in the snow.

“Thank God it didn’t burn him. If the flames had got out of control it could have been a lot worse.

“He could have been left scarred for life or even died.”

Gabriel, of Clifton, York, did not initially tell his parents about the incident, which happened about 6pm on Tuesday in Ashton Park, but two witnesses reported it.

Sgt Ed Noble, urged anyone with information to come forward, saying: “This is a very concerning incident which could have had serious consequences, thankfully the boy did not suffer any injuries but was left shaken by the ordeal.

“This case highlights the inherent dangers of cigarette lighters, matches and aerosols being misused. The individuals involved on this occasion can count themselves extremely lucky that nobody was harmed.”

He said there would be extra patrols in the area and said officers were working with local shops to ensure lighters and accelerants such as aerosol cans did not fall into the wrong hands.

A fire service spokesman said: “We would like to remind everyone that aerosols are not toys, and that pressurised containers such as aerosol cans can explode when set on fire.”

Call police on 101 with information.