Firefighters targeted with fireworks on so-called "mischief night"
A young boy in Skelmersale was also injured after being egged
Last updated 31st Oct 2021
Merseyside's firefighters were attacked with fireworks while on duty last night (30th October) on so-called mischief night.
They were on their way to put out 5 wheelie bins that had been set on fire when a group of about 20 youths attacked them with the explosives.
Last night alone, the fire service responded to more than 56 emergency calls with crews attending 11 deliberate secondary fires, involving wheelie bins, rubbish and bonfires.
In a statement on social media, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service said:
"Our firefighters have come under attack this evening by people throwing fireworks as they responded to an incident on Longmoor Lane.
"Five wheelie bins had been set on fire across the road shortly before 8.30pm.
"As crews tried to extinguish them, a group of around 20 youths threw fireworks at them and at members of the public.
"Earlier this evening, one of our advocates has eggs thrown at them as they drove along Haswell Drive. In fact, fire service staff have been physically and verbally attacked five times this week alone. Thankfully no one was injured but that does not make this acceptable.
"Firefighters, advocates and all fire staff are NOT targets. It is not 'a laugh' to throw items such as fireworks, bricks and eggs at them as they carry out their duties.
"They are human beings with families and loved ones waiting for them at home. They are members of your community. They go out each day and night, 24/7, 365 days a year to keep the people of Merseyside safe.
"Throughout the pandemic, as well as carrying out their day-to-day duties, they have delivered prescriptions, food parcels and administered vaccinations.
"They go above and beyond every single day. They are there for you, your friends, your family when they need it most - is this the thanks they deserve?
"We're not out to spoil anyone's fun - we are trying to keep you safe. Deliberately setting fire to wheelie bins and rubbish is not ok. Verbally and physically attacking emergency service workers is not ok. It is a criminal offence.
"This time of year is extremely busy for us and for all emergency services. Don't make it worse.
"If you or someone you know was involved in this tonight, please think about the person you want to be and remember that your actions have consequences. If a fire engine is damaged, it will have to be taken out of service, meaning it cannot respond to other, potentially life-threatening incidents.
"If we're called to deliberate fires involving wheelie bins, bonfires and rubbish, this could also delay our response to other incidents.
"Remember, it could be you, your friends or your family that need us.
"Don't attack your emergency services. An attack on us is an attack on your community."
Well it wasn't the only incident emergency services were left to deal with last night.
An 11-year-old boy was received a head injury after having an egg thrown at him.
Police are urging parents to know where their kids are saying, "this is not mischief, it is a criminal assault and will be dealt with as such".