FIRE engines are being fitted with closed-circuit television cameras in an attempt to deter yobs who attack firefighters.

The first camera has already been installed to a front-line fire engine in Middlesbrough, and other cameras are to be fitted to engines in Grangetown and Coulby Newham.

If the pilot scheme is successful, cameras could be fitted on all 23 tenders in Cleveland at a cost of £1,500 each.

Last year, there were between 90 and 100 incidents reported to police in Cleveland of missiles being thrown at firefighters.

However, only the more serious incidents were reported and the true figure could be five or even ten times higher.

Assistant divisional officer Dave Horton said: "There was one case on the 15th of this month in Coulby Newham where ten youngsters physically attacked a fire officer, kicking him to the ground."

"He was injured and had to be sent home," he said.

"If you consider that one report could involve up to ten men and women being attacked, you have some idea of the scale of this. We hope these cameras could act as a deterrent."

It is thought the pilot scheme is one of only two in the country, the other being in West Yorkshire.

The scheme is being supported by the Safe In Tees Valley agency, which works with the police and local authorities to help combat crime.