FIREFIGHTERS have been pelted with stones while responding to fire started deliberately.

Twice last week crews in Gateshead had to face both foul-mouthed abuse and physical attacks by young people, who threw stones at their fire engine.

The attacks both occurred in the Beacon Lough Estate in Gateshead and those responsible were young people who were seen in the Craneville play park.

Alan Robson, assistant chief officer with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “These attacks are indefensible. They are not just insulting; they are endangering the lives of committed and dedicated firefighters whose sole purpose is to protect and save the lives and homes of everyone in our community.

“Damage to our vehicle could also result in it being off the road and not available for emergency use.

“We are cooperating with our colleagues in Northumbria Police to ensure that those responsible are caught.”

In Tyne and Wear, during last year, there were 54 attacks on firefighters, ranging from harassment and verbal abuse to physical abuse and items being thrown at them and their vehicles.

Inspector Alan Pitchford, from Northumbria Police, said: “Firefighters are there to keep us safe and ultimately save people’s lives.

“It is not acceptable that they should face being attacked while trying to carry out that duty.

“We will not tolerate this type of behaviour and will take firm action against anyone who thinks it is acceptable to target firefighters in this way.

“What you are doing is dangerous and could cost lives.”

The number of incidents of firefighter attacks is on the rise, and tends to peak during the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.

Crew Manager Steven Burns, who was one of the firefighters attacked in Gateshead, said: “It’s just beyond belief that this should happen to firefighters or any other member of the emergency services, while we’re doing our job.

“We’re here to keep the community safe and shouldn’t have to put up with any form of abuse.”

If anyone has information about those responsible contact the police immediately on 101.