THUGS STONE FIRE CREWS
‘Unacceptable’ attack ‘put lives at risk’ and vehicle out of service
An attack on firefighters who were on a call-out in Sunderland has been condemned by the service’s chief fire officer, who says lives are being put at risk by the “unacceptable” incidents.
A crew from Sunderland Central fire station responded to a call at around 7pm on Thursday, to reports of a blaze in a field, to the rear of a sports complex, in the Downhill area of the city.
While they were busy fighting the fire, the crew’s vehicle was“pelted” with rocks and stones by a group of around 15 youths, which left part of the windscreen smashed.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) has confirmed that its firefighters were not injured in the incident.
But the crew’s Targeted Response Vehicle (TRV) has had to be taken out of service for repair.
It is unable to be used until it is fixed.
Chris Lowther, Chief Fire Officer of TWFRS, said such attacks are putting lives at risk while crews work on the front lines.
In a statement, he said: “As a service we are here to respond when we are needed.
"It is absolutely unacceptable that firefighters, who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe, are being attacked in the line of duty.
“We’re seeing attacks on crews happening more often
"I don’ t want togo to a firefighter’s home and have to tell their family they have been injured in an attack.
"Fortunately the crew we re uninjured last night but we now have a fire appliance unable to respond to emergencies because of the dangerous actions of these individuals.
"Attacks on firefighters has to stop, it’s putting lives at risk.”
The crew was forced to retreat from the scene due to the attack and remain at a safe distance until Northumbria Police arrived to provide assistance.
Steve Bur dis, Group Manager East District at Tyne .and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said :“The crew were just doing their job.
"They felt threatened and intimidated while coming under attack by such a large group of youths.”
He added :" Fire fighters should not have to face attacks and abuse while they’re working to keep people safe.”