Boss’ warning after missiles thrown at crew
A fire service boss has issued a stern warning after firefighters called to put out a bin fire in an underpass were pelted with missiles.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue issued a video shot on a bodycam of one of its crew from Rainton Bridge Community Fire Station as it appeals for help to track down the yobs.
They also hope it will spark the conversation between parentsand children about where they are and the danger posed by attacking emergency service workers. It follows on from an attack on crews in the town earlier this month.
Chris Lowther, the Chief Fire Officer and chief executive of the service, has spoken of his anger that the officers who work to keep communities safe have come under attack.
It happened shortly before 9.30pm on Friday, January 10, as the crew of four tackled a wheelie bin fire in the underpass near Eskdale Street.
He said :“We recently invested in body cams to improve the safety of our firefighters.
“In this bodycam footage from last Friday, you can hear a missile hitting one of my firefighters helmets. I’m not having it. These kids have parents. Do you know what your kids are up to? Have a word.”
A spokesperson for the service said :“Just before 9.30 pm on Friday night, firefighters from Rainton Bridge Community Fire Station were called to five wheelie bins that had been set alight in an underpass near Eskdale Street, Hetton.
“While they were dealing with the incident, missiles were thrown at them.
“Thankfully no one was hurt, but firefighters should not have to face attacks and abuse while they're working to keep people safe.”
Anyone with information about who is responsible, can report anonymously at www. firestoppersreport.co.uk