Firefighters injured as fireworks thrown at them

Firefighters face one of the busiest times of the year in the run-up to Bonfire Night

Three firefighters have been injured by youngsters throwing fireworks at them.

The Merseyside Fire and Rescue (MFRS) said crew members suffered temporary hearing loss due to the loud explosion from the fireworks thrown in Greenacres Park, Wirral, on Monday, while their fire engine was also damaged.

Police are urging parents and carers to "have a serious conversation with young people about their actions" after another attack on firefighters attending an emergency the next day in Walton Hall Park.

No crew members were harmed, but their fire engine was also damaged when a piece of wood was thrown at it.

MFRS area manager Mark Thomas described both attacks as "wholly unacceptable".

He said firefighters showed "bravery and selflessness in their duties", adding: "For them to come under attack from the very communities they serve so professionally is sickening.

"We understand that the majority of young people would not get involved in this kind of behaviour.

"I am now urging parents and guardians to have a serious conversation with young people about their actions – and the possible consequences."

Two-year jail term

Mr Thomas said footage of offenders would be passed to police.

Firefighters face one of the busiest times of the year in the run-up to Bonfire Night in November and MFRS has raised concerns about emergency service workers being targeted by violence.

Mr Thomas said people "abusing fireworks put themselves at risk of serious injury or even death".

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