A runner has recalled the "horrible" moment she was hit in the neck with a firework in Worcestershire.
Lottie Wilde was 3km into her 5km run on Franche Road in Kidderminster when a car drove by and she suddenly felt something hit her neck.
The teaching assistant said someone from the car threw an egg and a firework out of the window at her.
She said: "It was horrible. I'd just dropped my daughter off at her dance class, so I thought I'd go for a run whilst I was waiting for her to finish. I was hoping to run 5k and was about 3k in when it happened.
"A car drove by and I suddenly felt something hit my neck. I managed to hit it away from me when I saw the sparks and then there was a really loud bang.
"My neck was really sore and quite cold and wet from the egg. When I turned around, there was just a man hanging out of the car window and laughing."
Ms Wilde went to Kidderminster Police Station after the incident, but it was closed so she phoned 101.
She was advised that police would be stepping up patrols in the area following the incident.
The 41-year-old said: "It's a really well lit road and I thought it would be safe to go that way. I live in Hartlebury where the roads aren't as well lit and I've never had a problem before.
"I did go to minor injuries after the incident, but just to check for any injuries in the bathroom. Although the firework hit my neck, I didn't realise at first that I'd ben hurt. I think it might have been the shock.
"I also phoned my husband who left work and got some burns packs."
Ms Wilde said her doctor believes the redness on her neck is nerve damage, and she is currently waiting for a call back from police so she can make a statement.
She described the car as quite an old SUV-style car, and pale orange or gold in colour.
She has asked residents and drivers in the area to check their CCTV or dashcam footage to see if they can help police identify those responsible.
Anyone with information should contact West Mercia Police.
Ms Wilde said: "It could've been a child or happened to anyone. I think it was a random attack and I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I'm not expecting anything, but if people did witness the attack or have CCTV or dashcam footage then please get in touch with police.
"It could've hit my face or been a lot worse. I'm not sure how old the people were in the car, but surely they are old enough to know the consequences of hitting someone with a firework."
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "We can confirm we have received reports that a woman was injured on Franche Road in Kidderminster last night (Thursday, November 5) after a firework was thrown from a car.
"The woman was jogging, at around 7.30pm opposite Deerhurst Nursery, when the firework and an egg were thrown from an SUV-type vehicle that was described as light brown or gold in colour. The victim sustained injuries to her neck.
"The incident is being investigated as an assault and enquiries are ongoing.
"Anyone with information, dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage to support with the investigation is urged to contact by calling 101."
West Mercia Police run the Jog On initiative to tackle assaults and other perpetrator behaviour which creates barriers to women running.
For more information visit www.westmercia.police.uk/police-forces/west-mercia-police/areas/west-mercia/campaigns/campaigns/VAWG/jog-on/
Share