Attacks on fire crews in Northumberland

A spokeswoman for Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service said: "Unfortunately there were two attacks on our firefighters on November 5.

"Firefighters called out to Fontburn Crescent in Ashington had fireworks thrown at them by a group of youths, and in Cedar Grove, Alnwick, youths used bottles and fireworks as missiles. Thankfully nobody was hurt.

"Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service is working with Northumbria Police to reduce such incidents, and we are pleased with how this is working. Earlier this week firefighters had stones thrown at them at Thorntree Gardens in Seaton Delaval.

"When called out to the same location on bonfire night, the police also attended, and no such unacceptable behaviour took place. We will be employing the same strategy now when called to Fontburn Crescent and Cedar Grove.

"Our firefighters are trying to save lives, yet there is a minority of people who threaten and abuse them and we will not tolerate this."

Brian Hesler, Northumberland's chief fire officer said: "We're delighted to see a significant reduction in the number of calls received by the Fire and Rescue Service this Bonfire Night as well as a reduction in the number of incidents we attended on November 5.

"The regional campaign message that fireworks and bonfires can ruin lives in a flash supported by our local strategy to encourage safe well run Community Bonfires really does seem to have got through to the public."