Preston firefighters attacked with fireworks while tackling Bonfire Night blaze in Ribbleton

Firefighters were attacked with fireworks while tackling a Bonfire Night blaze in Preston last night.

Crews came under attack after being called to the Moor Nook area of Ribbleton following reports of a bonfire which had spread to an electricity cable and lamp post shortly after 6pm.

Fireworks were launched at the fire engine in Greenthorn Crescent and police were called to the scene, where a 14-year-old boy was arrested. He has since been released under investigation.

Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service said no firefighters were injured, but condemned the ‘deliberate attack’ as ‘reckless, dangerous and utterly unacceptable.’

A spokesperson for police said: “We were called around 6.25pm yesterday to Greenthorn Crescent, Ribbleton, to a report fireworks had been thrown at a fire engine.

“Our officers attended and a 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of throwing fireworks and has since been released under investigation.

“A lamp post was found to have been damaged at the scene, with colleagues from Electricity North West attending to make it safe.”

“Attacks on our firefighters will not be tolerated”

Lancashire’s Chief Fire Officer Jon Charters has condemned the attack as “reckless, dangerous and utterly unacceptable.”

He said: “We condemn in the strongest possible terms the deliberate attack on our firefighters, who had fireworks fired at them while responding to an incident on Greenthorn Crescent in Preston last night.

“This was reckless, dangerous and utterly unacceptable. There is no excuse for attacking emergency service workers.

“Our firefighters are there to protect people and property, often in difficult and dangerous circumstances. They should never have to face deliberate attacks while carrying out their duties.

“This is not a joke or harmless behaviour: it puts lives at risk and threatens the safety of the very community we are there to protect.

“Thankfully, no one was injured, but that does not lessen the seriousness of what happened. Fireworks can cause serious injury, and targeting our crews can prevent them from dealing with an emergency and helping people who urgently need them.

“We will work closely with the police to help identify those responsible and bring them to justice. Attacks on our firefighters will not be tolerated. We urge parents, carers and members of the community to make clear that this behaviour is dangerous and unacceptable, and that those responsible must face the consequences.”