A SCHOOLBOY narrowly avoided injury when a flare was set off at Southend United’s latest home game.

Jordan Groom, 13, was in the North Bank with sisters Katie, 18, and Rebecca, 16, when the flare was let off by home fans after Blues goalkeeper Cameron Belford saved a 60th-minute penalty.

It landed at the feet of the young season ticket holder and, although Jordan didn’t pick it up, the smoke irritated his eyes and left him very distressed. He needed treatment from the on-site St John Ambulance team.

Consequently, he missed the rest of the second half, but was eventually allowed home without hospital treatment.

His mum, Nicola Groom, 37, of Shoebury Avenue, Shoebury, is furious. She said: “When he came home his eyes were really red and he just kept rubbing them. He was badly shaken by it all.

“I have to say the St John Ambulance were great and the club has been good about it, but it’s not right people can get in with things like this.”

Mrs Groom believes fans should be searched before every game.

She added: “If people aren’t searched, they could get in the ground with knives and all sorts.”

The drama happened during Monday night’s 0-0 home draw with Crawley Town.

A club spokesman said bosses were determined to track down those who set off the flare.

He said: “Such acts, while perhaps considered a harmless bit of fun by those involved, have serious consequences for both the safety of fellow supporters and financially for the football club.

“The club is identifying the individuals responsible and the strongest action will be taken against them.”

The spokesman also explained the club carried out searches on away supporters at every Roots Hall match, but officials were reluctant to search all home fans.

He added: “The club’s management wants to create a family-friendly environment for its own supporters, and it is fair to say searching home fans every week would be considered intrusive by the vast majority of well-behaved fans.”