World | UK
Fire crews 'attacked 40 times a week'
Fire crews are being attacked 40 times a week, assaulted by bricks, bottles and stones as they tackle blazes, the Fire Brigades Union said on Monday.
London: Fire crews are being attacked 40 times a week, assaulted by bricks, bottles and stones as they tackle blazes, the Fire Brigades Union said on Monday.
Other incidents include ambushes, booby traps and attacks with lumps of wood and knives.
"In some areas attacking fire crews has become a recreational activity, with very serious consequences," quipped Matt Wrack, the union's general secretary.
The union said attacks had risen 15 per cent to 1,504 in England and Wales in 2006-07. That compared with data from the Department for Communities and Local Government which showed a 68 per cent fall to 400 over that period.
"The government figures are ridiculous," Wrack told BBC radio.
In Tyne and Wear, the fire authority has distributed "spit kits" to run DNA checks on those spitting at crews.
News Editor's choice
-
6,000 cups and counting: Addicted to that tea
This cafeteria in Al Mamzar attracts thousands of customers daily, including the rich and not so rich
-
Swimming pool horror: Twins hospitalised
Twins rushed to hospital after collapsing from chlorine inhalation at swimming pool in their villa
-
Play your cards right with credit card interest
UAE Central Bank plans to cap interest rates, but are you paying thirty-five per cent now?

