South Shields: Plea after 50 children threw fireworks at crews

Emergency services have urged parents to know where their children are

A fire service is urging parents ahead of Bonfire Night after a group of 50 children threw fireworks at crews.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said its team were verbally abused and attacked with fireworks in North Marine Park, South Shields, on 14 October.

It comes as the service said deliberate fires spiked from 200 to 388 in the fortnight around Bonfire Night in 2022.

Firefighters have visited schools and colleges as part of a campaign to tackle the problem.

Nobody was injured in the incident in South Shields, but the service said "one act of anti-social behaviour against the emergency services was one too many" as the crew had to retreat to the safety of their fire engine.

'Stay safe'

It also released figures for 2022 comparing 17 October until 7 November to the two weeks prior - 26 September to 16 October.

It showed that the number of deliberate secondary fires rose from 200 to 388, which the service called "worrying".

It added "many of the incidents were linked to anti-social behaviour, often perpetrated by young people" and urged parents to be aware of where their children were during the bonfire period.

Paul Russell, area manager of community safety, said: "Bonfire Night and the surrounding time is one of the service's busiest times of the year, which is echoed by our blue light colleagues.

"All that we ask is that people stay safe and at the same time respect your emergency services, we are all here to ensure that you and your family are kept safe from harm."

Ch Insp Nicola Walker urged people to "take responsibility for themselves and to be considerate of others".

No-one has been arrested over the fireworks attack but inquiries are continuing, police said.

The North East Ambulance Service appealed to people to "use the emergency services wisely".