Firework and stone attacks on firefighters happen weekly, say crews

Attacks on fire crews by youths throwing fireworks, bricks and stones are a weekly occurrence in West Yorkshire, a senior officer has said.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is working with police and schools to warn of the dangers of attacks.

Simon Moore, Watch Commander at Bradford Fire Station, said he would never buy a firework again after seeing the devastation they can cause.

Mr Moore told the BBC he had "ducked fireworks for almost 20 years".

"We wear helmets, gloves, visors, because we've had fireworks thrown at us while we're at incidents," he said.

District Commander Benjy Bush said crews worked alongside the police to educate people on fire safety

District Commander Benjy Bush said: "It's been unfortunate that we have still suffered some attacks across West Yorkshire, Bradford, Leeds and Calderdale.

"Attacks can be anything from verbal abuse to bricks, stones and even fireworks aimed at the appliances, and it can be on a weekly basis."

Mr Bush said firefighters "are here to do a job and serve the public, so they shouldn't be subject to people throwing stones, bricks and fireworks".

"They shouldn't be subject to anti-social behaviour like that," he said.

West Yorkshire Fire Service released images of youths throwing objects at crews

Halifax MP Holly Lynch was among those who campaigned for the Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Bill which was passed in 2018, but said more needed to be done.

"I have asked the government, and ask every year, are there more powers, or more people that we need to get on the ground to manage some of that risk to keep our emergency services, and the communities that they protect, safe?" she said.

Mr Moore said: "Having to have ducked fireworks for almost 20 years, it will have a psychological effect on you.

"I don't think anyone on my shift will ever be buying fireworks again."