Fire Service condemns violence as three Firefighters injured in shocking firework attack

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service is calling on parents and carers to speak to children urgently about their behaviour after a shocking firework attack on firefighters in Beechwood, Wirral led to three firefighters being injured and a fire engine being damaged.

Fire crews responded to an emergency call at a large fire with reports of fireworks being set off at Greenacres Park, Beechwood, Wirral on Monday 6thOctober. One fire engine arrived on scene at 8.04pm and came under attack from youths with fireworks as they approached. After withdrawing and requesting support from Merseyside Police, the crew became aware of damage to the fire engine caused by the fireworks. More seriously, three of the fire crew suffered temporary hearing loss as a result of the loud explosion of the fireworks which had been aimed at them.

A similar incident occurred the following evening, Tuesday 7th October, when firefighters responded to an emergency call at Walton Hall Park in Walton. One fire engine arrived on scene at 6.27pm to find a small quantity of wood alight in the park’s play area.

As the crew was leaving the scene, youths threw a log at the engine, causing damage to the rear of the appliance. Thankfully, the crew was unharmed.

Firefighters and Fire Service staff come under attack from fireworks every year, but this is the earliest incidence of this kind of attack yet and the number of firefighters suffering from the effects of the attack is unusual.

Following these attacks, there is now a significant concern with the bonfire period approaching that firefighters and emergency service staff come to serious harm owing to the violence directed towards them as they go about their duties.

MFRS Area Manager Mark Thomas, said:

“This is wholly unacceptable. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service will not tolerate these attacks on our frontline staff who help our communities 365 days a year, showing bravery and selflessness in their duties.

“For them to come under attack from the very communities they serve so professionally is sickening. Our staff live in their communities and are no different to anyone else there. They finish their shifts, and they go home to loved ones – they are fathers, mothers, sons and daughters, aunties, uncles, brothers and sisters.

“We understand that the majority of young people would not get involved in this kind of behaviour. I am now urging parents and guardians to have a serious conversation with young people about their actions – and the possible consequences. Not only does this type of behaviour put firefighters at grave risk, but those abusing fireworks put themselves at risk of serious injury or even death.

“All our fire engines are fitted with up-to-date CCTV systems and footage of offenders will be passed to Merseyside Police as evidence for prosecution. Assaults on emergency workers can carry a prison sentence and we will work with our partners to ensure anyone wanting to engage in this type of behaviour will be brought into the criminal justice system. We will advocate without hesitation for the heaviest penalties against those who attack our staff.”

Mr Thomas added:

“Our response to incidents in the lead-up to Bonfire Night will be supported with joint attendances by Merseyside Police, particularly if large numbers of youths or anti-social behaviour (ASB) are reported in the vicinity. If you witness any crime or anti-social behaviour related to bonfires or fireworks, please do the right thing, support your emergency services, and dial 999 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to pass information anonymously.”    

“We are exceptionally proud of the work our staff do each day, as should be everyone in Merseyside. Please help us to help them to keep you safe.”    

As we move into winter, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service urges everyone to make sure they have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of their home and to ensure it is tested regularly.

For free fire safety advice or to request a home fire safety check, call 0800 731 5958. You can also complete a free online home fire safety check athttps://www.safelincs.co.uk/hfsc/?ref=MRSFRS

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service also provides free smoke alarms for Merseyside residents aged 65 or over.

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Note to editors:

The Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act 2018 came into force on 13 November 2018, with a maximum sentence of up to 12 months imprisonment for someone found guilty of the offence. Following consultation, on 15 September 2020 the government announced it would bring forward legislation to increase the maximum penalty for assaulting an emergency worker from 12 months to two years imprisonment.

Picture for illustration.