Fire chiefs and police are investigating after a man claims he was pelted with traffic cones by a ''drunk'' crew member - and then pepper sprayed by ''bungling'' cops. The victim needed hospital treatment for head wounds after a mob threw the cones at him when he confronted them outside his home.
When Graham Crees tried to stop the commotion, he was attacked with multiple cones smashing into his face. And he was injured further when cops arrived and considered him to be the aggressor and forcibly arrested him with use of a spray.
After a night in cells, Graham was released with no further action with cops accepting mobile phone footage corroborated his version of events. While recovering from his injuries, he took on the role of private detective and claims he identified at least one of his alleged attackers as being a firefighter for Avon Fire and Rescue.
This has prompted a statement from the service which promised a full internal investigation. Graham, 56, of Bristol, said the cones were in place as he was due to have 'water connection' done on his self-build project on Easter Sunday morning.
He said: "I was driving back to the site later in the day and a large group walking past picked up loads of cones on their heads. They were just being idiots but it wasn't that bad. There were some older people my age in the group and I started shouting to grow up and put the cones back.
"Some of them did that but others pushed them over into the road. It then became confrontational and they started coming at me aggressively. I was backing away but warning them not to get closer and then someone chucks a cone at me. Then various other cones get thrown at me four or five times."
He added: "I later find out the main perpetrator who started it all was a serving firefighter. I would expect better from people in that role."
Graham, a construction site manager, said cops then arrived but were told by the group he had been the aggressor. He said: "I was injured with multiple hits to the head, and to the arm. My head gash needed several stitches and I must have been hit there at least four times.
"My attackers claimed I had pushed an old lady and then attacked them. I was then told I was under arrest and was pepper sprayed. It was unbelievable - I was the victim of an assault but was treated like a criminal."
Graham said he was held in custody until lunchtime the next day when police released him with no further action after reviewing mobile phone footage. He added: "Videos clearly vindicated me and the police had to concede that and let me out. I just had a few bruises and small scar on my head - but tore a ligament in my left quad when I was arrested. I am now on painkillers and cannot sleep."
Avon Fire & Rescue Service has now promised a full probe into the incident. A spokesperson said: "We are aware of a video circulating on social media, allegedly involving a member of Avon Fire & Rescue Service staff.
"The footage is understandably disturbing and we take matters like this very seriously. We have instigated a full internal employment investigation into the matter and will fully cooperate with any police investigations.
"Whilst this takes place, we would encourage people not to further speculate on social media, to ensure a full and fair investigation is carried out. As this incident is now subject to investigation, we cannot comment further on this matter at this time."
Avon and Somerset Police has been asked for comment.
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