An animal hospital was pelted with fireworks as it came under attack by a gang of youths.
Terrified animal carers had to barricade themselves inside, while police came under fire as they responded to calls at RSPCA Harmsworth Animal Hospital in Finsbury Park, north London.
Dramatic footage taken by one staff member inside shows fireworks being launched at the building and the police car outside.
‘It’s like something out of a war zone,’ she is heard saying.
Frightened animals had to be moved elsewhere in the hospital as the attack continued.
A RSPCA spokesperson said: ‘Our dedicated workers at Harmsworth Animal Hospital are trying to continue to care and treat animals during the challenging times of lockdown and they should be able to do this without fear for themselves or the animals.
‘Fireworks have been going off in this area during the week upsetting the dogs and animals in the hospital, and staff also reported sparks visible in the branches of the trees close to the hospital.
‘We had one particularly horrible incident where fireworks were launched at a police car right outside the hospital.
‘This anti-social and dangerous behaviour is obviously unacceptable but, as well as this, lockdown measures this year also mean that very few organised, public displays are likely to go ahead.
‘We suspect this will mean people will have their own displays at home instead and we fear that this will result in lots of little displays taking place over a few weeks, spreading out fireworks noise and causing prolonged distress for animals.
‘Fireworks are extremely stressful and frightening for lots of animals. But they can also cause very serious injury and even death to some.’
The hospital is home to scores of sickly pet dogs and cats.
Attacks from fireworks can carry a fine of up to £5,000 or imprisonment of up to six months.
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