Gangs of youths are putting lives at risks by ambushing firefighters and bombarding them with bricks and stones.

Police warned today their sickening antics could land them an appearance in court and lead to their parents being evicted.

In two separate incidents during the last four days firefighters from Fairweather Green have been confronted by gangs of youngsters throwing missiles.

The latest attack was on Thursday evening when emergency crews were called to a blaze at an empty house in Allerton Grange Road, Allerton, Bradford. Fairweather Green Station Commander Neil Butterworth said: "We were actually trying to tackle the fire when a group of about seven or eight teenagers and children started pelting us with stones.

"A couple of firefighters were hit and when the neighbours came out and started shouting at them to leave us alone they hurled stones at them too."

Although there was a video camera on the appliance the incident happened down an alleyway and was not captured on film.

In a separate incident on Wednesday evening bricks were thrown at the fire engine as it responded to a call in Allerton.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Sedgwick, of Toller Lane CID, said: "We view any kind of attack on a public service very seriously.

"If we know who's responsible we will have no hesitation in bringing prosecutions and passing the details on to Bradford Council's tenancy enforcement team. As well as criminal damage and threatening behaviour this is anti-social behaviour and could lead ultimately to the parents of these youngsters being evicted."

Det Chief Insp Sedgwick confirmed that two males, aged 14 and 15, had been arrested in connection with Thursday's incident and released pending further inquiries.

Geraldine Howley, the Council's City Housing Officer, said tenancy enforcement officers were working with the police and other agencies on a number of cases involving anti-social behaviour in Allerton and other areas.

She said: "Wherever possible we first try to persuade youngsters to change their behaviour. Of this approach fails, where we can get enough evidence we will pursue action through the courts."

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