THIEVES who stole vital kit from the back of a fire engine have been slammed as “despicable”.

The appalling incident unfolded when firefighters were called to Bradford’s Bierley estate last Friday night (February 24).

They were tackling a fire in the open when a hydrant key and bar were swiped from the vehicle.

Fire chiefs have vowed to find those responsible and have urged anyone with information to get in touch with police, while a councillor has warned things that seem like a ‘bit of fun’ could have life or death consequences.

Area Manager Scott Donegan, from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, told the Telegraph & Argus: “Around 6pm on Friday night we were called to put out a fire which had ignited in an outdoor area notorious for illegal fly-tipping just off Hyne Avenue in Bradford.

“While making the area safe for residents, callous thieves targeted the Bradford crew - stealing a hydrant key and bar from the back of the vehicle.

“These give us access to local water sources, which are vital to enable us to tackle fires and ultimately save lives.

“This theft is despicable, especially given the dangers this could have left local communities in.”

He added: “We will work with police to review CCTV both on board the fire engine and in the local vicinity to bring those responsible to justice.

“We are a public serving body with an aim to make West Yorkshire safer.

“Those who seek to inflict misery on others will not be tolerated.

“I call on anyone who may have witnessed what happened, or who has any evidence vital to catching the criminals responsible to come forward and talk to the police.”

Councillor Matt Edwards (Greens, Tong) whose ward covers the Bierley estate said: "It is really disappointing that emergency workers are being targeted in this way.

“What might seem like a 'bit of fun' can have life or death consequences and puts lives of firefighters and the members of public at risk.

"I know the local policing team will be taking this matter very seriously and they are working hard to tackle this sort of behaviour.

“I echo the calls of the fire service for the public to provide any information to identify those doing this and help us tackle anti-social behaviour.”

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson confirmed the incident is being investigated. 

A spokesperson said: "It was reported that at 6.20pm on Friday, February 24 a fire engine was broken into, and property stolen.

"Enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information which could assist with the investigation is asked to contact police on 101 quoting crime reference 13230110187 or online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat.

"Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online."