ESCALATING attacks on fire crews which have resulted in engines being taken off the road have been branded as “deplorable”.

Fire crews in parts of Middlesbrough have already been attacked 20 times in the first five weeks of the start of the year. 

Cleveland Fire Brigade said in many of the cases, the attacks appeared to be planned.

There have been 20 reported incidents of groups of young people deliberately setting fires and ambushing crews with bricks, bottles and stones as they arrive at the scene.

The Northern Echo:

Carl Boasman, Assistant Chief Fire Officer and Director of Community Protection said: “It is completely unacceptable for our staff to be subject to violence and acts of vandalism whilst protecting the public.”

“Our job is being made more difficult by the thoughtless actions of a minority intent on setting fires and then trying to injure staff and damage engines.

“This can potentially mean a vehicle is off the road and unavailable to respond to other incidents. These attacks also divert crews from real emergencies where lives may be at risk.

“Such violence puts firefighters at risk of serious injury. Cleveland Fire Brigade will not tolerate such attacks. Our vehicles are fitted with CCTV cameras and staff are equipped with body cams and we will use any evidence we have to support the police to secure a prosecution of anyone who has been violent towards our staff.”

“We would like to appeal directly to our local communities to help us identify those responsible for such dangerous and anti-social behaviour.”

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The fire brigade has shared some of the recent cases to highlight the issue and appeal for help from members of the public in tackling the problem. 

As a result of the attacks, engines have been dented and at least one window screen cracked. 

Of the 20 incidents, 17 have been in the Hemlington area.

On January 29, two fire crews from Coulby Newham and Thornaby were called to an incident in Dallas Court, Hemlington, and were pelted with stones, causing the engines to be dented.

On January 22, staff were subjected to violence while missiles were thrown at an engine after firefighters were called to a bonfire in Fonteyn Court.

One missile hit the engine, causing a dent.

The following day, crews were called to another large bonfire in Fonteyn Court. Again, firefighters experienced violence and the wheel arch of one of the engines was damaged by a missile.

On the same day, at 6.45pm, the fire brigade had to extinguish two cars in Ellis Gardens. During the call-out, staff experienced violence and missiles being thrown.

The attacks have resulted in some of the engines being taken off the road for repairs – placing further strain on the service.

The Northern Echo:

The attacks were criticised the Fire Brigade Union and Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Steve Turner.

Dave Howe, FBU brigade secretary for Cleveland, said: “We find it difficult to understand why people would want to attack firefighters, who provide a humanitarian service. All of these attacks are deplorable.

“Our members need the fire and rescue service to provide the right support for firefighters who are subject to these attacks. This includes in relation to mental health and being understanding when it comes to sick leave.”

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Mr Turner said: “I am well aware of the issues currently facing Hemlington. We continue to take a multi-agency approach to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour as well as working to engage the local community in finding solutions.

“On a practical level, I have just signed off funding for a number of anti-crime initiatives such as fencing, improved lighting and deployable cameras whilst Middlesbrough council has another 20 cameras due to come on line this month which will help greatly with identifying these criminals.

“I deplore any attacks on emergency workers – whether they work for the police, ambulance or fire brigade. I would encourage anyone with information on anyone involved in these attacks on fire fighters to come forward.

“It’s only by working together with the local community that we can tackle these appalling attacks and the problems of anti-social behaviour, which underpin them.”

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