Firefighters are stoned by yobs

Oct 2 2007 by Jackie Bow, South Wales Echo

FIREFIGHTERS came under attack on a Valleys estate when they were called to a rubbish fire.

The five firefighters were pelted with stones and abuse was shouted at them when they arrived at Galon Uchaf, Merthyr Tydfil, last night at around 7.30pm, to deal with a bonfire.

No-one was injured but the fire engine was damaged. It is a latest in a series of similar incidents there and at the neighbouring Gurnos estate.

The communities were today warned that threats will not be tolerated.

Watch manager John Griffiths said: “Youths are preparing for it. They stock pile stones, build rubbish fires and just wait for us to arrive and attack us.”

Police were called yesterday but the gang of teenagers fled and the crew was able to put out the fire.

“Fortunately no-one was hurt. The locker of the appliance was badly dented and will cost hundreds of pounds to repair,” said Mr Griffiths. “We carried on with our work but were vigilant. This behaviour won’t be tolerated.

“The safety of the crews take precedence and in any such incidents in future, consideration will be given to withdrawing immediately from the area and allowing fires to burn.”

He said if the threats continued, when serious incidents occurred they would not go into the area until it was safe and cleared by the police.

“Each situation will be risk assessed,” he said.

He urged the community to report yobs to the police.

“We need the community support to stop these incidents happening,” he said. “People can pass on information and names to the police anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”