Firefighter attacks double in 12 months
UNION CHIEF HITS OUT AT ‘WORRYING’ TREND IN NORTH EAST
Reporter SOARING numbers of firefighters are coming under attack, with the figures having doubled in the last year, shock statistics show.
Figures released by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service show in 2015 there were 25 reported attacks on firefighters but in 2016 that had risen to 50.
Russ King, chairman of the North East Fire Brigade’s Union said demoralised firefighters cannot understand why they are being targeted.
“We’re left scratching our heads as to the reasons why this would happen.”
He warned the attacks could have tragic consequences if injuries and damaged equipment limit the already short-staffed service.
“We’ve had seven years of austerity, staffing is at an all-time low, if a firefighter is injured and out of action then that can affect our ability. It could be tragic. “It is a worrying trend.” Group manager Tony Markwell, of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said the service was working closely with Northumbria Police to tackle the issue.
He added: “It is totally unacceptable that firefighters are being subjected to physical and verbal abuse while working to protect our local communities.
“We take these attacks on our firefighters very seriously.”
Parents are being warned to be aware of what their children are doing, especially now that nights are getting lighter. Fire crews will be visiting schools across Newcastle, North and South Tyneside, Gateshead and Sunderland to warn youngsters on the dangers of fires. Tony said: “What may seem like a bit of harmless fun can easily lead to something much worse – causing serious damage to property and people’s lives. How would they feel if it was their property being damaged or even worse their own life or a family member or friend’s life was under threat? “Fire is unpredictable and dangerous – not only can it kill and injure, but deliberately setting a fire can leave you with a criminal record and scar you for life.” Over the Bonfire weekend fire crews were attacked on nine occasions and last month while 50 firefighters tackled a massive blaze in Sunderland, the service was subjected to three despicable attacks in the city. A firefighter was punched in the face by a youth while attending a fire at the TKT Cosyfoam factory in Houghtonle-Spring. On the same evening, a crew responding to reports of rubbish on fire in Carley Road, Sunderland, came under attack from youths throwing stones, while a third attack, which also saw crews pelted with stones, happened the following night at Margaret Thompson Park in Newcastle Road, Sunderland. Tony Markwell