Councillors have hit out at the “absolutely horrendous” number of attacks on firefighters across Tyne and Wear despite a slight decrease compared to last year.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service chiefs stressed work is ongoing with partners to clampdown on incidents and find those responsible.
Figures from April to the end of September this year showed there were 29 attacks on firefighters across the region, down on the 33 recorded during the period last year.
This is on top of the seven attacks recorded over the Bonfire Night period from November 1-6, which was up from five the previous year.
At the latest meeting of Tyne and Wear Fire Authority’s policy and performance committee, senior brigade officers said they are aiming to reduce offences further.
Paul Russell, area manager for digital, data and safety, said: “It’s still 29 too many, I would love to see zero and that has to be our target.
“The crews do record any occurrences like this, they don’t just brush it off, they let us know about it so we can look at the incidents.”
Of the 29 incidents recorded from April to September, 22 involved objects being thrown at firefighters and/or appliances, six involved verbal abuse and one involved physical abuse.
Peter Heath, deputy chief fire officer, said a recent example of verbal abuse included a young person shouting “I hope you die in a fire” at a crew on Sunday morning.
He said: “That’s a terrible thing to say, but I’m glad we know about it, so the crews continue to report, because it’s not just the physical stuff that hurts.
“We just can’t eliminate this on our own and it does need that concerted effort.”
He added they continue to work with police to catch culprits and clampdown on issues of physical and verbal abuse, while they also utilise CCTV where possible.
Councillors at Monday’s meeting (7 November) also hit out at the actions of those responsible for the attacks on firefighters.
Image: Newcastle City Council
Councillor Karen Kilgour, deputy leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “It’s good to see that there’s a reduction, but 29 is absolutely horrendous.
“Any at all is absolutely unacceptable and I don’t know what more we can do to support those firefighters, I don’t know what else we need to do to prevent such dreadful incidents.”
Liberal Democrat Councillor Tom Woodwark, another Newcastle City Council representative, said he knows work is being carried out on the issue and reiterated it must be a joint effort with other organisations.
He said: “It just tears your hair out in terms of why on earth somebody would want to attack somebody who is trying to help.”
Councillor John Usher, Sunderland City Council representative, added: “It’s shocking the amount of incidents and things they have to go through.”
