Man sentenced to three years for firefighter hammer attack
In the space of minutes thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused to the fire engine
A man has been sentenced to three years in jail after pleading guilty to attacking Salford firefighters with a hammer, when they responded to calls of an unresponsive man in a locked car.
Worryied for the 24 year old's safety they decided to use specialist equipment to get into the vehicle.
When a hammer fell from the firefighters’ equipment the previously unresponsive man seized upon it.
Concerned about the safety for his crew and the observing public, the Officer in Charge ordered a retreat to a safe distance.
In the space of minutes thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused to the fire engine by smashing windows and damaging the body. He also damaged live saving medical equipment which had been prepared by the firefighters for his safety.
With police en-route, there was little the crew could do but watch, as the man they had come to help and support, carried on his attack.
Speaking about the incident and the effort of the crews, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Dawn Docx said:
“Any attack, be it verbal or physical on our firefighters, is wholly unacceptable. This was a frightening experience for our firefighters who feared for their own safety, and that of the public. Thankfully on this occasion there was damage suffered to our equipment and fire engine only and no firefighters were harmed.
“We are appreciative of the swift actions of our colleagues from Greater Manchester Police who supported us to safely resolve this incident.”
Assistant Chief Constable Annette Anderson, said: “Members of the emergency services often put themselves in harm’s way to protect others.
“Being attacked when you are simply trying to do your job is something no-one should have to face but being targeted while you are coming to the rescue of others is nothing short of inexcusable.
“As we do in any case, we will robustly pursue those who use violence against those responding to 999 calls and will do everything in our power, with the newly welcomed legislation, to protect the protectors.