West Yorkshire fire chiefs are throwing their weight behind moves in Parliament to make attacks on 999 crews a criminal offence.

The news comes as figures show no decline in assaults on the region's firefighters.

In Bradford alone there have been 26 examples of verbal abuse against firefighters, 31 incidents involving aggressive behaviour and eight physical assaults in the last year.

Stoning of fire crews took place at 41 incidents over the same period, other things were thrown on 33 occasions and fireworks were hurled 11 times. Traps were set for fire crews twice during the year and on five occasions weapons were drawn.

In December the Telegraph & Argus revealed that the problem had reached record levels in the district, with more attacks on crews from Bradford and Fairweather Green stations than in the rest of the county put together.

New legal powers in Scotland already make it an offence to assault, obstruct or hinder someone providing an emergency service, with those convicted facing a fine of £5,000 and nine months' imprisonment. In England the Home Office has so far refused to extend the legislation but West Yorkshire's Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Allan Hughes, said the time is ripe for such a move.

He said: "It is unacceptable that firefighters should be subjected to verbal or physical abuse when they are carrying out their duties. As an emergency service, our purpose is to save people in danger and the large majority of our community appreciate this work.

"By offering our support to the private members bill proposed by Alan Williams MP, we hope that the obstruction and assault of firefighters will become an imprisonable offence."

Nick Sutcliffe, chairman of the West Yorkshire Fire Brigades' Union, said he supports the legislative moves.

"I don't think the current law is strong enough by any means," he said.

"The police have always been protected but this transfers that protection to fire crews and paramedics as well.

"We should not sit back. We need to get staff to report every incident of violence whether verbal or physical."