'APPALLING'
Outrage after three firefighters attacked in city’
Emergency services have slammed yobs for “appalling” attacks on firefighters in Sunderland.
Three firefighters were assaulted after being targeted going out to tackle a house fire this week.
Crews from Sunderland Central, Farringdon and Rainton Bridge were called to Railway Terrace, Houghton, to reports of a blaze, which is believed to have been started deliberately. But in shocking scenes: One firefighter suffered a badly bruised and bloodied nose after he was hit in the face.
A second was struck in the side of the head, causing bruising to his ear.
The thug also tried to head butt another crew member, but fortunately his fire helmet blocked the blow.
Firefighters were able to restrain the man until police arrived, while paramedics were also called to treat the injured crew members at the scene.
Two men and a woman were arrested in connection with the incident.
Area Manager Alan Robfootage son, of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “I am extremely disappointed and saddened about the increasing number of attacks on our crews and vehicles.
“It is totally unacceptable that firefighters are being obstructed in carrying out their duties and subjected to physical or verbal abuse.
“We take these attacks on our firefighters very seriously and are working closely with Northumbria Police, who are reviewing CCTV from the cameras which are fitted on all our fire appliances.”
Fire Brigade Union brigade secretary, Russ King, said: “It’s deeply worrying that attacks like this are still happening in this day and age.
“The people who carry out these attacks must realise the consequence of their actions, in terms of potential harm to firefighters and damage to essential firefighting equipment.
“It may result in hampering the service’s ability to continue to provide emergency cover to its fullest potential.”
Chief Inspector Alan Cairns, Northumbria Police, said: “Firefighters are there to save lives, and it’s appalling that they should face being attacked while doing their job and trying to help the public.
“We won’t put up with those who think it’s acceptable to target firefighters in this way, and it’s important they get the message that what they are doing is thoughtless, dangerous and could cost lives.”
“I am extremely disappointed and saddened” ALAN ROBSON