Firefighter attacked by youths while tackling blaze

A firefighter was hit in the face while trying to put out a blaze

A firefighter was attacked by a group of youths while trying to put out a blaze.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) was called to Adair Way, Hebburn, in South Tyneside, on 9 January, after reports a bush was on fire.

A group of young people, including one on a motorcycle, then assaulted one of the firefighters who was hit in the face, the service said.

The victim was left "shaken" and a police investigation has been launched.

The crew withdrew from the scene after the attack, which happened at about 18:00 GMT.

Chief fire officer Peter Heath said: “I am shocked and saddened to hear that one of our firefighters has been attacked whilst responding to an incident in our community.

The firefighters were attempting to put out a bush fire in Adair Way, in Hebburn

“These incidents happen rarely and involve a small minority of people but it is unacceptable for anyone to be expected to tolerate physical or verbal assault whilst carrying out their job."

Mr Heath said that the firefighter was being "fully supported" after the attack and urged anyone with information to contact the police.

Northumbria Police confirmed it was investigating what happened.

Insp Denise Easdon said: "Our blue light colleagues come to work each day to protect their communities and to help people, and do not deserve to face hostility or violence when trying to do their job.

"This behaviour simply won’t be tolerated, and we will take robust action against anyone found to have been involved in this incident."