Emergency crews face barrage of fireworks and eggs at house blaze

FIREFIGHTERS IN Sheffield were pelted with fireworks, eggs and other missiles as they responded to a house fire on Halloween.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said the blaze in the Tinsley district had been caused when a firework was deliberately thrown into the terraced house at around 8pm on Wednesday.

Crews from three of the city’s fire stations were called to the property on Lifford Street, where they were confronted with a number of youths in the road.

No-one was hurt in the incident, understood to have been sparked when the missile went through a bedroom window, setting fire to bedding and furniture.

An fire service spokesman said: “Whilst tackling the blaze, objects including fireworks and eggs were thrown at the crews. Luckily no firefighters were injured.”

Area manager Tony Carlin said: “We are absolutely appalled that our firefighters appear to have been targeted in this way.

“Attacks like this place the safety of our firefighters, and the people they are trying to protect, at risk. Thankfully, this type of incident is extremely rare in South Yorkshire and it is only a tiny minority of people who would ever consider acting in such an irresponsible and dangerous way.”

Mr Carlin added: “Even one attack on a firefighter is completely unacceptable, and we will work alongside the police to fully investigate any attacks and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”

New legislation came into force this month, with tougher sentences for attacks on emergency workers.