Firefighters under attack

ALARMING RANGE OF INCIDENTS INCLUDES VERBAL ABUSE AND PHYSICAL ASSAULT

ATTACKS on firefighters on duty in the West Midlands are at their highest level for FIVE years – with brave fire crews even threatened with a gun in one shocking incident.

Firefighters were attacked a staggering 87 times while on duty in the West Midlands, including Coventry, in both 2015/16 and 2016/17, the highest number of incidents since 102 were recorded in 2011/12.

The number of incidents had dropped in the years in between, with a low of 65 incidents recorded in 2014/15.

The most common type of attack was verbal abuse, with 64 incidents in 2016/17, the highest number of incidents since 73 recorded in 2010/11.

There were also nine incidents of objects being thrown at firefighters or appliances, three of harassment, two of physical abuse and nine other acts of aggression.

Three firefighters were slightly injured as a result of the attacks. Of these, one was injured by objects being thrown and two by physical abuse.

Union officials want a zero tolerance approach to attacks on its members who “dedicate their lives to helping others”.

Barry Downey, Fire Brigades Union (FBU) Executive Council member for the West Midlands, said: “The Fire Brigades Union condemns any attacks on firefighters doing their jobs. These attacks range from verbal abuse to physical assault and on one occasion being threatened with a firearm and there can be no excuse for any of it.

“Firefighters are ordinary working people who dedicate their lives to helping others in the most difficult and dangerous of circumstances, running the risk of assault whilst doing that is deplorable.

“We would urge the police and CPS to prosecute the offenders on every occasion, there can be zero tolerance for this.”

A spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service said: “Any attack upon our firefighters is one too many, and will not be tolerated. Where appropriate, we will work closely with West Midlands Police to bring culprits to justice. Fortunately, the longer-term trend is a downward one.

“All of our fire stations put great effort into building very strong links with their local communities, building trust and understanding upon which they can draw at incidents if necessary.

“Attacks can be verbal or physical, and might include hindrance or nuisance while firefighters are responding to and resolving incidents. “When an attack is reported, it is referred to a Station Commander to consider and act on as needed – for example, by addressing issues through local work with police and other agencies.”

Across England, firefighters were attacked 738 times while on duty in 2016/17, the highest number of incidents since 835 were recorded in 2011/12. The number of incidents had dropped in the years in between, with a low of 578 incidents recorded in 2014/15, with 622 recorded in 2015/16.

The most common type of attack was verbal abuse, with 403 incidents nationwide in 2016/17, the highest number since 435 were recorded in 2011/12.

There were also 206 incidents of objects being thrown at firefighters or appliances, 18 of harassment, 44 of physical abuse and 64 other acts of aggression.

Four firefighters were seriously injured in 2016/17. This included one due to harassment in Cheshire, one due to verbal abuse in East Sussex, one due to physical abuse in Essex and one due to objects being thrown in Greater Manchester.

As well as this, 52 firefighters were slightly injured as a result of attacks. Of these, 17 were injured by objects being thrown, 10 due to physical abuse, three due to harassment, and 15 by verbal abuse and seven by other acts of aggression.

By CLAIR MILLER News Reporter news@coventrytelegraph.net Any attack upon our firefighters is one too many, and will not be tolerated... we will bring the culprits to justice. WM Fire Service