Firefighters scared to work after firework attacks

Two fire crews on on Merseyside were attacked last week

Some firefighters on Merseyside are afraid to come to work in the run-up to Halloween and Bonfire Night because of firework attacks, a Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service senior manager has said.

Last week three firefighters suffered temporary hearing loss after fireworks were launched at them as they attended a bonfire in Wirral.

A fire engine was also damaged and another was attacked in Liverpool.

Area manager Mark Thomas said using fireworks "as a weapon" is unacceptable and the fire service was working with police to identify offenders.

"The message is to the individuals who are doing this - stop it," he said.

"It's not acceptable you are attacking the very people who protect you and your families right across Merseyside."

Last week three firefighters were injured in an attack by teenagers who threw fireworks at them in Greenacres Park, Wirral.

A day later firefighters in Liverpool were also attacked when attending an emergency at Walton Hall Park.

Offenders who assault emergency services workers could be jailed for up to two years.

Mr Thomas urged parents and carers to speak to young people about the dangers and consequences of such actions.

"All of our fleet, including all our fire engines and our prevention vehicles, are all armed with the very latest CCTV," he said.

"We have communities that will provide us with CCTV also and we will use that with our colleagues in Merseyside Police and bring those who do this to justice."