FIREFIGHTERS in the Cleveland area are being fitted with body cameras to tackle a rising number of violent attacks.

Crews have been attacked with knives and metal bars and been pelted with missiles, including metal bars, stones, and bolts, and have been forced to withdraw from tackling fires for their own safety.

Latest figures show firefighters in the area have seen a 60 per cent increase in incidents, with more than 100 reported in the last three years.

People have deliberately twisted or stood on hose reels to stop the flow of water, and fire appliances have been damaged, with smashed windscreens, broken mirrors, smashed paintwork and there have been reports of attempted theft of equipment,

Crews have been surrounded by gangs of youths wearing balaclavas, individuals have jumped on fire engines and there has been aggressive verbal abuse.

Ian Hayton, Chief Fire Officer at Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: “Such behaviour beggars belief and is wholly irresponsible.

"Our firefighters do a fantastic job in protecting the local community and saving lives. The fact that their job is made even more difficult by the thoughtless actions of a minority is hard to believe and will not be tolerated.

"Such violence puts them at risk of injury or even worse and can also stop them from attending an emergency where lives may be at risk.

“Our appliances are already equipped with CCTV cameras and this latest step will add to our resources in providing the police with evidence of criminal behaviour and appropriate action will be taken. Cleveland Fire Brigade has zero tolerance for such behaviour.”

Fire crews have even been attacked with catapults firing ball bearings or bolts.

From April 2015 to the end of March 2016 there were 28 reported violent attacks on crews in the Cleveland area.

For the same period from April last year to March 2018 there were 45 such incidents – an increase of just over 60 per cent over three years. There were 31 incidents in 2016/17.

Superintendent Dave Sutherland, Cleveland Police, said: “It is inconceivable that the very people who put their lives on the line to protect people and save others’ lives are subjected to such violence and abuse by a minority of people.

“Introducing body cameras will be a good way of gathering evidence and it could potentially assist with putting people before the courts wherever appropriate and securing convictions. We will work with our colleagues in the fire service to identify anyone responsible for targeting firefighters and deal with them appropriately.”