Gangs of youths pelt firefighters with stones, bricks and fireworks in this shocking video footage released ahead of Bonfire Night, when attacks are expected to peak.
The video montage features appalling incidents filmed across West Yorkshire as gangs launch missiles at fire crews while they try to work.
A new campaign called ‘More than a Uniform’ has been launched which aims to make youths realise that firefighters are human beings with families and deserve respect.
The fresh bid to curb the mindless violence comes in the context of new figures showing that such attacks have doubled in the last three years.
In the financial year 2016-17, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service recorded 95 incidents of violence against operational crews.
The campaign started in the run up to the bonfire period, which is historically a peak time of year for attacks.
It aims to communicate the message that there will be a zero tolerance approach to people attacking firefighters.
Last year, there were 33 attacks in November, with 12 of those coming on Bonfire Night.
Dave Walton, deputy chief fire officer, said: ‘The rise in attacks on our crews is gravely concerning to us and as we approach the bonfire period, when we tend to see a flurry, we are delivering a clear message that it will not be tolerated.
The video montage features appalling incidents across West Yorkshire as gangs launch missiles at fire crews while they try to work
Gangs of youths fired stones, bricks, fireworks and other objects at on-duty firefighters
‘We believe our crews are sometimes targeted as they are seen as a ‘uniformed authority figure’ so our campaign aims to open people’s eyes to the fact that if you attack a firefighter, you may be attacking a mum or dad, a wife or husband, or brother or sister.
‘Already this year we have seen a handful of attacks on crews using fireworks and it is only a matter of time before an operational firefighter is seriously injured.
‘The lead up to the bonfire and Halloween period is not an excuse for recklessness.
Here a youth can be seen hurling a stick at the fireservice. The problem has become so acute that a campaign was launched to educate youths about the dangers of these attacks
In the financial year 2016-17, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service recorded 95 incidents of violence against operational crews
‘Parents, if you have your suspicions that your children may be involved in such behaviour then please step in now before they end up in serious trouble with the Police.’
Chief Superintendent Mabs Hussain, of West Yorkshire Police, added: ‘Attacks on emergency service personnel not only put the individual themselves at risk but also the wider public, particularly if it requires the crew member to finish duty and receive medical attention.
‘Unfortunately, each year around Bonfire Night we do receive reports from our fire service colleagues of attacks on firefighters. These kind of deliberate, targeted attacks will not be tolerated and we will thoroughly investigate any such offences.’
A youth throws a large stone at working firefighters in the picture on the left. Attacks on firefighters tends to peak around bonfire period