EMERGENCY crews have issued a warning after a spate of attacks on firefighters by youths.

In the latest incident on Friday, a gang of youths pelted fire crews with bottles during an attack in Newcastle.

Although no-one was injured, the window of a fire engine was broken, putting the vehicle out of action for several days.

In the last six weeks, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has recorded 11 attacks on firefighters.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Chris Lowther said: “I am extremely disappointed to be raising further concerns about attacks on our crews and vehicles.

“It is totally unacceptable that firefighters are being subjected to physical and verbal abuse while working to protect our local communities.

“Thankfully, no-one was injured in this latest attack, but it meant we had to take a fire appliance out of service for a few days.

“Had the damage been more extensive we could have been without it for much longer, leading to potentially life threatening consequences for the general public”.

Inspector Pip Hails, Northumbria Police, said: “This is mindless and cowardly behaviour.

“The fire services are out there trying to help and protect our communities and it’s disgusting that some people think attacking them is acceptable”.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101.