Tyne and Wear firefighters to ‘prosecute anyone who attacks’ them while on duty

tyne and wear fire and rescue

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service have sent out a warning today (January 22) that they will “prosecute anyone who attacks firefighters” while they carry out life saving work.

This warning comes after stones were thrown at a crew tackling a rubbish fire on Bridge Road South in North Shields just after 6pm on Wednesday, January 20.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Chris Lowther, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This is the third attack against firefighters in this area. We will absolutely not tolerate any attacks on our staff.

“Thankfully, none of our firefighters were injured during the incident, but throwing objects at our crews clearly has the potential to cause serious harm. That is totally unacceptable and we will work with Northumbria Police to ensure that the people responsible are brought to justice.

“This attack hindered our crew’s ability to do their job and could have resulted in a small fire becoming more serious. I can only praise crews for their courage and professionalism in dealing with this incident.

“Attacks on firefighters not only prevent them from fulfilling their role to make our communities safe, but it also risks putting emergency equipment out of action which could be needed to save a life at any time.”

Inspector Neil Armsworth, Neighbourhood Inspector for North Shields, said: “Northumbria Police will not tolerate attacks of this nature against another emergency service.

“There will be officers in the Meadowell area tonight and over the course of the weekend dealing with this matter. We will utilise all available police and partnership enforcement powers to deal with any person identified as responsible.”

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