Firefighters have had to contend with yobs throwing fireworks and stones, acting aggressively and abusing them verbally, a report has shown.

A total of 31 attacks on fire service workers were reported in the last financial year in the Bradford district, compared to 36 the year before.

In West Yorkshire, however, the total number of attacks rose in the same period from 80 to 88, the West Yorkshire Fire Service Authority performance management report reveals.

Bradford District Commander Jim Butters said although he believed the amount of attacks on staff had reduced “massively” in the last decade, 31 was still too many.

He said the general drop in attacks could be largely attributed to the service’s work in schools.

“We are very active around the firework period and we give road safety advice,” he said. “We get involved with alcohol awareness week.”

He said the service runs “young firefighters” schemes which build on relationships between young people and firefighters.

“It makes us more approachable so when we are out on the streets, rather than shout verbal abuse they are more likely to come and talk to us,” he said.

He said the fire service had close relationships with neighbourhood wardens, ward officer teams and the police.

Superintendent Vince Firth, of the Bradford District Community Safety Partnership, said police were “well aware of the dangers which all members of the emergency services can potentially face”.

Neighbourhood Policing Teams hold regular talks with school pupils across the district on issues including arson and personal safety.

“For those who continue to commit offences against the very people dedicated to their safety, I would issue this warning,” said Supt Firth.

“In undertaking such attacks, you are putting other people’s lives at risk and wasting the valuable time of officers entrusted with their protection.

“We will take a no-nonsense approach to such behaviour. If you are intent on causing problems, you will quickly find yourself before the courts.”