FIREFIGHTERS tackling a blaze were attacked by a group of young thugs recently.

As crews were responding to a rubbish fire in Middlesbrough, the gang of youngsters threw missiles and damaged equipment as their friends attempted to start another fire nearby.

Some stood on hoses to prevent the flow of water getting to the flames while others attempted to take items from the back of the fire engine.

The incident came shortly after firefighters for Cleveland Fire Brigade were fitted with bodycams in a pilot scheme to help stem a rising number of attacks.

Cleveland’s chief fire officer Ian Hayton issued a stark warning as he outlined some of the missiles and weapons used against firefighters recently, which include knives, metal bars, planks of wood and catapults firing bolts and ball bearings.

He said: “Make no mistake such totally irresponsible behaviour will not be tolerated. We join forces with other emergency services in condemning these incidents.

“We have a duty to protect our firefighters who are protecting the local community.

“With body cameras and CCTV cameras we will now be able to capture more evidence of those involved.”

The service’s latest figures reflect a 60 per cent increase in violent attacks on firefighters, with more than 100 reported in the last three years.

From April 2015 to the end of March 2016 there were 28 reported violent attacks on crews. For the same period from April last year to March 2018 there were 45 such incidents – an increase of just over 60% over three years. There were 31 incidents in 2016/17.

Sergeant Oliver Flight from Cleveland Police, said: “Police are carrying out enquiries into this incident and will be looking through all available footage to establish the identity of those involved.

“This type of behaviour is unacceptable and it will not be tolerated.”