Footage shows shocking attack on firefighters as thugs round on crew while they battle bin blaze

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue has issued the video shot on a bodyworn camera of one of its crew from Rainton Bridge Community Fire Station as it appeals for help to track down the yob.

They also hope it will spark the conversation between parents and children about where they are and the danger posed by attacking emergency service workers.

It follows on from an attack on crews in the town earlier this month.

Chris Lowther, the Chief Fire Officer and chief executive of the service, has spoken of his anger that the officers who work to keep communities safe have come under attack.

It happened shortly before 9.30pm on Friday, January 10, as the crew of four tackled a wheelie bin fire in the underpass near Eskdale Street.

The tunnel, which runs under Moorsley Road, has previously been highlighted as a problem area for antisocial behaviour.

He said: “We recently invested in bodycams to improve the safety of our firefighters.

“In this bodycam footage from last Friday, you can hear a missile hitting one of my firefighters helmets.

“I’m not having it. These kids have parents.

“Do you know what your kids are up to? Have a word.”

A spokesperson for the service said: “Just before 9.30pm on Friday night, firefighters from Rainton Bridge Community Fire Station were called to five wheelie bins that had been set alight in an underpass near Eskdale Street, Hetton.

“While they were dealing with the incident, missiles were thrown at them.

“In this video, you can hear one of the missiles hit a firefighter's helmet.

“Thankfully no one was hurt, but firefighters should not have to face attacks and abuse while they're working to keep people safe.

“Sadly, this is happening regularly in this particular area.”

Anyone who has information about who is responsible for deliberate fires or attacks on crews, can report details anonymously at www.firestoppersreport.co.uk or call 0800 169 5558.