YOUTHS who hurled fireworks at fire crews tacking a rubbish fire in Girlington yesterday evening have been branded “timewasters” and their actions “despicable” by the fire service.

Firefighters from Fairweather Green and Shipley came under attack from a gang of about 10 youths in Westfield Road, Bradford, as they attempted to put out some sofas which were on fire.

Police were called at about 8.16pm after the fire service reported the incident.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Dave Walton, Director of Service Delivery, said: “Firefighters put their own lives at risk every single day to protect the public.

“To be attacked by the very people they are there to help is simply incomprehensible.  “Every year we are forced to make the difficult decision whether to bring these despicable attacks to the attention of the public.  “Of course we hope that by highlighting the problem, communities will pull together and put an end to it, but there is also a risk it will encourage more aggression.  “We want you to consider this – how would you feel if your brother, sister, mother, father, best friend, were trapped in a fire or serious RTC and it took firefighters longer to reach them because the nearest crew had been forced to come off duty because they had been attacked?”

A spokesman for the police confirmed they had been called out to reports of an attack by youths.  David Williams, for the Firefighters’ Union added: “It is disappointing to hear this. Firefighters expect some high jinks at this time of year, however, it is getting more frequent and more aggressive. The questions needs to be asked about planning applications for pop-up firework shops.”

Councillor Fozia Shaheen (Labour, Toller) has appealed to families to keep an extra eye on their younger members.

“I know it’s difficult but I feel parents and families need to keep an extra eye on them and make it absolutely clear to their young people that this despicable behaviour is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.

“People should be able to celebrate this season in peace and harmony not by attacking the people who are just doing their job and are here to protect us and keep us safe,” she said.

Last weekend West Yorkshire Police reported incidents of fireworks being used dangerously on both Saturday night and Sunday night, with youths in the Highfield area being chased by police officers after they were spotted hurling lit fireworks into the road.

There were also incidents in the Devonshire Park area and North Street.

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