Firefighters were attacked by youths "throwing bottles and other items" at crews while they battled a deliberate fire in Bristol. Fire crews responded to reports of a motorbike fire in the Knowle West area on Monday (January 23) at 6.08pm.
While handling the incident, Avon Fire and Rescue reported that it "came under attack" from a gang of young people. The youths reportedly attacked the firefighters as they approached the fire, throwing bottles and other objects.
Fire crews were forced to leave the fire to self-extinguish as they were unable to deal with the fire that was deliberately started. The service did confirm that no firefighters were injured during the altercation.
READ MORE: 'Feral, savage' mob of 100 youngsters run amok in spree of violence at Cabot Circus
Avon Fire & Rescue shared a message on social media explaining the incident and highlighting the dangers of this kind of behaviour.
Dave Hodges, Duty Group Manager said: “The actions of the individuals involved meant crews were unable to deal with the deliberate fire and it was left to self-extinguish. Fortunately, no firefighters were hurt.
"This kind of activity not only puts our crews, who risk their lives to keep our communities safe, at risk but also draws us away from responding to other incidents.”
READ NEXT:
- Police explain 'loud bangs' heard in flats overnight
- Girl 'blue and shaking with cold' after swimming lesson
- Michelin-trained chef launches new Bristol restaurant 'without the stiffness and price tag of traditional fine dining'
- Bristol misses out in prestigious Top 50 UK gastropubs of 2023 list
- Man who broke police officer's fingers avoids jail