Fire chiefs are refusing to attend incidents in a part of Bradford without police back-up after five consecutive nights of attacks on firefighters.

A number of fires have been deliberately started to lure crews to the Amberley Street area, off Barkerend Road, where they have then been stoned by gangs of youths.

Several fire appliances have been damaged in the attacks though no firefighters have yet been injured.

The crews have been forced to withdraw from the scene until police support arrived.

Bradford Station Commander Martin Day said a minority of people were putting lives at risk, as well as the safety of his officers.

He said: "Unfortunately there have been a number of incidents over the last three or four nights where small fires have been set and we have been called to attend.

"We are going into the area to deal with the call, as we would with any such incident but a mindless minority is using us for target practice.

"The incidents seem to be centred on the Amberley Street area and involve a small number of youths from that area.

"Such attacks can have severe consequences. In one incident we were called to attend in the area someone had set a small fire and we sent two pumps to attend.

"While we were busy dealing with that incident a house-fire started about 400 yards away on Harewood Street and we were unable to attend. Fire crews from Stanningley and Idle had to be called to the scene instead meaning a delay in response time, which could have been very serious.

"In addition there is the obvious risk to my firefighters. We do not want them getting injured when all they are doing is trying to help that community.

"We have had several engines damaged after being hit with bricks in these incidents. This an area where we come and fit smoke alarms free of charge and give fire safety talks. We get on very well with the community but sadly these idiots seem intent on causing trouble."

Councillor Ghazanfer Khaliq, (Lab, Bradford Moor), a former Lord Mayor of Bradford, urged people to turn in those responsible for the attacks.

"These incidents are very serious indeed. We have had similar situations in the past but thought they had died down. These people are putting lives in danger, possibly their own lives or that of their families.

"I will be speaking to the local mosques about this and I think that the local community needs to take strong action. These people must be caught and prosecuted before someone is killed."

Councillor Mohammed Jamil (Con, Bowling and Barkerend) also condemned the attacks.

He said: "The fire and rescue service do excellent work. Just a couple of nights ago there was a house fire at Wellands Terrace and while that house was empty the next door home was full of people. I have no doubt that if it was not for the actions of the firefighters lives could have been lost.

"These incidents of fire crews being pelted with stones are unacceptable. They must not be prevented from carrying out their work in the community."

A West Yorkshire Fire Service spokesman said: "While there are no no-go areas per se, in areas such as Amberley Street where we are facing repeated attack we will seek police assistance. We have been working very closely with community representatives and police to resolve this issue."

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "Sadly a small minority of individuals do, from time to time, target emergency vehicles attending calls. The dangers of such mindless actions are obvious and we'd seek to bring anyone involved before the courts.

"These people should remember they are attacking the very people they might one day rely on to help them or their families.

"Anyone with information should contact 0845 6060606 or crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."