Attacks on Tyne and Wear firefighters continues to rise
Attacks on Tyne and Wear firefighters continues to rise.
Attacks on our firefighters continue to rise after crews became the latest to have missiles thrown at them in Gateshead.
TWFRS Blue Watch Firefighters and their Targeted Response Vehicle (TRV) were attacked twice in one week whilst responding to deliberately set fire incidents.
The Washington-based crew had to face both verbal and physical attacks by young people, receiving foul-mouthed abuse, whilst their emergency vehicle was pelted with stones.
The attacks both occurred in the same location, the Beacon Lough Estate in Gateshead and crews say those responsible were young people seen in the Craneville play park.
It comes after we revealed attacks had doubled on Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue firefighters in just one year.
In 2015, 25 incidents were recorded and 54 in 2016.
But so far in 2017 there have been at least 30 attacks on crew members recorded, before their busiest period of Halloween and Bonfire night.
TWFRS ACO Alan Robson commented:
“These attacks are indefensible. They are not just insulting; they are endangering the lives of committed and dedicated firefighters whose sole purpose is to protect and save the lives and homes of everyone in our community.
“Damage to our TRV could also result in it being off the road and not available for emergency use. We are cooperating with our colleagues in Northumbria Police to ensure that those responsible are caught.”
Neighbourhood Inspector Alan Pitchford said:
“Firefighters are there to keep us safe and ultimately save people’s lives. It is not acceptable that they should face being attacked while trying to carry out that duty.
“We will not tolerate this type of behaviour and will take firm action against anyone who thinks it is acceptable to target firefighters in this way - what you are doing is dangerous and could cost lives.”
“The number of incidents of firefighter attacks is on the rise, and tends to peak during the Halloween/Bonfire period.
Crew Manager Steven Burns, who was one of the firefighters attacked in Gateshead, said:
“It’s just beyond belief that this should happen to firefighters or any other member of the emergency services, while we’re doing our job. We’re here to keep the community safe and shouldn’t have to put up with any form of abuse.”
If anyone has information about those responsible for the most recent assaults please contact the police immediately on 101.
For more information, contact: Karen Leech (0191) 444 1542.