Fire crew attacked following false call out to Gateshead
A fire crew has been attacked with laser pens after a false call out to Gateshead.
They were targeted following reports of rubbish being on fire near the skate park at Oliver Henderson Park on the evening of October 6th.
The driver had a laser shone directly into his eyes.
No fire was found, indicating the call, which was made from a phonebox, may have been a deliberate false call.
Police attended the park following the incident, taking details of 22 young people who were in the area at the time.
The incident follows a spate of small fires in the Oliver Henderson Park, leading to a number of calls to Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service from concerned local residents.
Police are now carrying out home visits to discuss anti-social behaviour with the families of the young people who were in the area on the evening of the incident.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Chris Lowther, TWFRS, said: “We absolutely will not tolerate any attacks on our staff. Thankfully on this occasion no one was hurt, but any attack on our vehicles or crews has the potential to cause harm. Shining a laser pen into the eyes of the driver is particularly dangerous and irresponsible, and could have had serious consequences.
“What makes this even more serious is that no fire was found, leading us to believe that the call to our control room was a deliberate, malicious false call.
“False calls and attacks on our firefighters or vehicles impairs our ability to respond to emergency calls. The safety of local people, as well as our firefighters, is put at risk.”
Gateshead Inspector Mick Robson, Northumbria Police, said: “We have identified a number of the youths involved in the anti-social behaviour and have been out visiting them and their families with the Youth Offending Team and the local housing company.
“These youths need to understand that by making false calls to the emergency services they are potentially putting lives at risk and people in danger. It could be one of their friends and family who need help and it’s not available because of their reckless behaviour.
"I want to reassure local residents and businesses that the area around the park is a priority for us. We have already held meetings with the council and plans are being looked at to improve lighting and make the area safer.
"We have officers patrolling the area every night and will be taking action against anyone causing problems in the area."