SPY cameras fitted to fire engines have led to a fall in violent attacks on crews.

A drop of almost 25 per cent in violent incidents has been reported at trouble spots in Middlesbrough, Grangetown and Coulby Newham.

Cameras were fitted in a three stage pilot scheme, from January to May 2003, in an initiative aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour. It was funded by anti crime partnership Safe In Tees Valley.

The pilot has been so successful in reducing the number of attacks on firefighters that the scheme is now to be extended to other areas of the brigade.

Ian Dixon, crew safety camera co-ordinator for Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: "Attacks on firefighters have dropped dramatically since cameras were put on appliances.

"There were 73 attacks in the three pilot areas in the year before cameras were introduced. This year the number has fallen to 56 - a 23 per cent decrease.

"Of course no attack on firefighters is acceptable, but this scheme has gone a long way in helping us crack down on the number of incidents, and we have now decided to equip more appliances with cameras, placing them where they are most needed.

"We are working with partners to secure further funding and aim to install more cameras during the summer.''

Tapes have been used to gather evidence of anti-social behaviour and can be used in a prosecution.

"The message that we want to get across to the small number of people who attack emergency service workers is that violence against firefighters will not be tolerated," said Mr Dixon.

In a bid to protect firefighters, Middlesbrough Council street wardens attend incidents in areas of the town where fire crews have had stones thrown at them or been attacked.

The wardens are based on housing estates across Middlesbrough, often reaching the scene of a fire before crews arrive and disperse crowds gathering at the spot.