Warning over dozens of firefighter attacks in the Bristol region - including 21 with objects thrown at crews

Firefighters in the Bristol region have been attacked or verbally abused dozens of times over the past decade, figures show.

Home Office statistics show crews from Avon Fire and Rescue Service were targeted on 70 occasions since 2010-11, with six attacks recorded by the fire service in 2020-21.

Some might be from the Kill the Bill riots in Bristol on March 21 when Chief Fire Officer Mick Crennel said firefighters were attacked with bottles.

Crews were at the protest alongside police working to prevent further fire damage to businesses and two put out two vehicle fires.

In light of the Home Office figures, police chiefs have vowed to use the full force of the law against those who subject emergency workers to “deplorable” attacks.

A breakdown of the statistics for Avon and Fire Rescue shows crews were subject to four incidents of physical abuse over the decade.

They also had objects thrown at them on 21 occasions, had verbal abuse directed at them 36 times, experienced three episodes of harassment and dealt with at least six other aggressive incidents.

One firefighter was left physically injured following an attack.

And the true figures could be higher, as those reported only reflect assaults experienced during operational incidents and do not take into consideration abuse that has taken place at or around fire stations or as crews are carrying out fire prevention work, for example.

Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said: “Any attack on firefighters – who are providing a humanitarian service – is something to be deplored.

“It is paramount that fire and rescue services provide appropriate support to firefighters who are subject to such attacks, including taking into account any mental health effects of these incidents, and being understanding when it comes to sick leave.”

Following the Kill the Bill riots in Bristol, Chief fire officer Crennell said: “Any violence towards our emergency services staff and vandalism to emergency service vehicles is simply unacceptable and unjustifiable.”

A spokesman for the National Police Chiefs’ Council said it is never acceptable for anyone to be assaulted or harmed for doing their job.

He added: “Last year, the maximum jail term for attacking emergency workers was doubled.

“This sent a clear message that society will not tolerate abuse of our emergency workers.

“We will use the full force of the law to prosecute anyone who uses violence against those who are on the front line.”