'Control your feral kids' rages fire chief after fireworks injure crew

Parents must have a "serious conversation" with their children ahead of Bonfire Night after three firefighters suffered serious hearing loss when attacked with fireworks, a fire chief said. And he's raged at fireworks being used "as a weapon", with police now working with CCTV from their fire engines to hunt the feckless yobs.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) had attended a bonfire in Greenacres Park, Wirral, at 8.04pm on Monday 6th October when "youths with fireworks" attacked them - leaving three crew temporarily deaf. A day later when firefighters responded to a 999 call at Walton Hall Park in Walton, Liverpool, a 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 left youths threw a log at the engine, causing damage.

Now MFRS Area Manager Mark Thomas has said: "The message is to the individuals who are doing this - stop it. It's not acceptable you are attacking the very people who protect you and your families.

"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."

Calling on parents to get their unruly kids in line, he added: "I am now urging parents and guardians to have a serious conversation with young people about their actions - and the possible consequences.

"The message to parents is this. Know were your younger people are, know what they're doing, know who they're mixing with. And have this conversation with them in the cold light of day, rather than at 3 o'clock in the morning in a custody suite.

"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.

"But why should our firefighters have to feel nervous when they attend an emergency incident?

"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."

Offenders who assault emergency services workers could be jailed for up to two years.

MFRS said firefighters and Fire Service staff "come under attack from fireworks every year".

But worryingly the early October 'ambushes were "the earliest incidence of this kind of attack yet" - adding that the number of firefighters "suffering from the effects of the attack is unusual."

The fire service went on: "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."

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.

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.

"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."