FIRE crews were called to fewer incidents over the bonfire weekend than in previous years – despite videos of attacks on emergency service workers circulating online – West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) has said.

Firefighters in the county did report being attacked, but added that there were less than five attacks reported, which is much lower than predicted.

WYFRS has spent months collaborating with partner agencies in a bid to reduce incidents over the busy weekend. It also had its #BanginBonfire campaign to help people across the region enjoy Bonfire Night safely.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Dave Walton, said: “This is not just about what happens on this one night of the year - we have been talking about Bonfire Night and planning for it since before the summer.

“We work half the year on it, taking a multi-agency approach.

“We work with partners on prevention activity and also have our fire protection team looking at licensing of fireworks.

“This year, while we attended more incidents than we would have on a normal Saturday night, it was well below the numbers we have attended previously at this time of year.”