Fire chiefs have condemned the “reckless” actions of youths who launched fireworks at firefighters in Keighley on Mischief Night and also tried to blind them with laser pens.

A spokesman confirmed the incident happened while firefighters were attending a bonfire shortly after 7pm last night in the Devonshire Park area when the engine was parked in nearby Ivy Street.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Dave Walton said: “Fortunately none of the firefighters in this incident were injured.

"However, my concern is that it is only a matter of time before a firefighter is maimed or seriously injured by this sort of idiocy.

“We completely condemn these reckless and irresponsible actions.

“We do have cameras on all our fire engines and will work alongside police to hold those responsible to account.

“It may have been so-called Mischief Night last night but that is no excuse for committing crime and putting lives in danger needlessly.”

As a result of this attack the fire service will be providing an increased attendance in this area.

ACO Walton added: “We do not want to see any of our firefighters facing this mindless behaviour.

“Our message to these individuals is think twice because one day you too might depend on the Fire Service in your moment of need.”

Police were called by a fire crew attending the incident. The yobs fled as officers approached.

Other parts of the town were besieged by gangs of rampaging youths and in Ingrow, one of the worst hit areas in recent days, police had to break up gangs of youths after cars were pelted eggs.

And in Oakworth a resident had his car seriously damaged by a thrown wheelie bin in what he called the worst Mischief Night in 30 years.

Gangs of up to 50 youths have roamed the darkened streets of Ingrow and Bracken Bank since last Thursday carrying out mindless vandalism, smashing house windows and damaging parked cars.

And police have been forced to increase patrols to break up the aggressive mobs in the run up to Bonfire Night.

There have been similar reports of trouble around Woodhouse and Lund Park - where fireworks were allegedly aimed at passing cars on Friday night.

Town councillor Kathrine Roberts represents both Ingrow and Bracken Bank and said this year's mayhem was unprecedented.

"I've been a councillor for 14 years and this is definitely the worst I can remember," Cllr Roberts said.

"Lots of people have been in touch with me about what went on last Thursday and Friday.

"Residential windows have been cracked and broken by people hurling bricks and youths have been running over car bonnets - it's been quite ferocious."