Yobs pelt fire-fighters with stones

TWO fire-fighters were hit when teenagers who had torched a wheelie bin pelted them with bricks and missiles.

Officer-in-charge Andy Turner and fire-fighter Kirk Parton suffered bruising when they were attacked by the 15-strong gang in Copster Hill Park at 8.30pm on Wednesday.

It comes just days after watch manager Tony Morgan, also from Hollins station, narrowly missed being hit in the face by a firework thrown by thugs in the park. On that occasion a gang had ripped up and set alight recently-refurbished play equipment.

Mr Turner said: “About 15 teenagers, aged 13 to 16, had stolen someone’s wheelie bin and set fire to it. When we arrived to put it out they threw stones and stuff like that.

“Two of us were clobbered. I got hit by a rock of some kind and the other lad was hit in the back a couple of times. It is just fortunate we had the gear on that took the brunt of it.

“We were called out again later in the night. They had set fire to another wheelie bin and we did not go into the park until the police had cleared the area.”

About an hour later, fire-fighters were called back to the park after another bin was set on fire. This time, the crew was escorted by police officers and no youths were seen.

Police are now appealing to anyone who has information about the attack to come forward. They are also warning youths and their parents that targeting fire-fighters in this way could put people’s lives at risk.

Insp Alan Humphries said: “The courage and bravery of fire-fighters saves countless lives, and in the run up to Bonfire Night their resources are stretched to the limit by the sheer volume of 999 calls.

“To, therefore, be confronted by a group of youths who used bricks as missiles when they were dealing with a deliberate bin fire is a disgrace.

“Although the objects only caused minor injuries, they could have caused serious and permanent damage.

“I want to assure anyone reading this who is appalled by what happened that those responsible, who might think it is funny or clever to put the lives of our emergency services at risk, will face harsh punishments and we are increasing the number of patrols in the area to both identify the culprits and deter any further attacks.”

Anyone with information should call Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.