FIREfighters across the region are facing ambushes from children when they are called out to blazes, it has been revealed.

Youngsters in Thornaby, Teesside, have been caught climbing on fire engines, emptying water tanks and pelting crews with bricks and eggs as they respond to 999 calls.

Other fire crews, including those in Crook and Middlesbrough, have complained about being attacked by youths.

Some have even had to retreat from blazes as they come under fire from children throwing missiles.

The number of attacks on fire fighters in Thornaby is on the increase according to Station Officer Ian Dunning. Youngsters have been warned they are endangering themselves and those the fire crews are trying to help.

Officer Dunning said: "We have kids climbing on the fire engine, on top of the roof. We can't drive off while the kids are climbing on top of it.

"They have opened the tank valve to start emptying the water out, which is stupid. We could get to a house fire and find we have no water.

"They have also filled a valve full of mud, so I have called the police."

In the past weeks, firefighters have had to face increased violence from children when they attended fires.

Officer Dunning said: "What we usually do is walk behind the appliances and then, when we're away, we climb on to it. But they've been very persistent.

"The more aggressive they get, the more the animosity builds up. They'll start getting a bit clever and bit more sure of themselves."

Children have also been causing problems for the Thornaby brigade by restarting fires which the crews have extinguished.

Officer Dunning said: "When kids are playing with fires and we get a call, we have to go and put it out.

"We are often called back again and we don't have the resources to be going back and forth to the same fires."