Rocks and stones thrown at firefighters in 'unacceptable' attack in Sunderland

An attack on firefighters who were on a call-out in Sunderland has been condemned by the service’s chief fire officer, who says lives are being put at risk by the “unacceptable” incidents.

Published 4th Sep 2020, 11:55 BST

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A crew from Sunderland Central fire station responded to a call at around 7pm on Thursday, September 3 to reports of a blaze in a field, to the rear of a sports complex, in the Downhill area of the city.

While fighting the fire, the crew’s vehicle was “pelted” with rocks and stones by a group of around 15 youths, leaving part of the windscreen smashed.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) has confirmed that its firefighters were not injured, but the crew’s Targeted Response Vehicle (TRV) has had to be taken out of service for repair and is unable to be used until it is fixed.

Damage caused to a Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service vehicle.

Damage caused to a Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service vehicle.

Chris Lowther, Chief Fire Officer of TWFRS, said such attacks are putting lives at risk while crews work on the front lines.

In a statement, he said: “As a service we are here to respond when we are needed. It is absolutely unacceptable that firefighters, who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe, are being attacked in the line of duty.

“We’re seeing attacks on crews happening more often, I don’t want to go to a firefighter’s home and have to tell their family they have been injured in an attack.

"Fortunately the crew were uninjured last night but we now have a fire appliance unable to respond to emergencies because of the dangerous actions of these individuals.

"Attacks on firefighters has to stop, it’s putting lives at risk.”

The crew was forced to retreat from the scene due to the attack and remain at a safe distance until Northumbria Police arrived to provide assistance.

Steve Burdis, Group Manager East District at TWFRS, added: “The crew were just doing their job. They felt threatened and intimidated while coming under attack by such a large group of youths

"Firefighters should not have to face attacks and abuse while they’re working to keep people safe.”

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