By Bryan Brough
The Paisley Daily Express
STRATHCLYDE, Scotland — Firefighters were ambushed and pelted with stones by a vicious gang of boys who started a wheelie bin blaze to lure them to a housing scheme.
The bombardment was so fierce that officers had to seek cover to avoid being hit by the hail of missiles, some of which were as large as half bricks.
Both fire engines which were sent to the scene were damaged during the attack.
Mercy crews alerted the cops and asked for a police escort if they had to respond to another emergency in the same area.
Yesterday, a fire chief condemned the attack as “senseless and very dangerous”.
Two fire crews had been called out to Craigenfeoch Avenue, off Greenend Avenue, Johnstone, shortly after 7.30pm.
When they arrived, a wheelie bin was well alight but they managed to put out the flames.
It was as firefighters were returning to their vehicles that the bombardment began.
One resident told the Paisley Daily Express: “The firemen didn’t stand a chance. It looked like these boys had started the blaze to get the fire crews here and then ambush them.
“There was a gang of yobs, who were all in their early teens. The thugs must have had a pile of things to throw at the firefighters because the bombardment was constant.
“The crews had to dodge and weave their way back to their vehicles. I know the firefighters were wearing hard hats but that’s no guarantee against injury.”
One of the fire engines which was damaged was left with dents on its bodywork.
There were CCTV cameras in the cabins of the fire engines and the footage from these is being checked in the hope the thugs were caught on film.
Area Commander Simon Hunt, of Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, said: “Firefighters should not have to endure vicious attacks while protecting our communities.
“Injuries to our staff and damage to appliances can result in vehicles being unavailable for considerable periods of time while repairs are carried out.
“Everything is being done to prevent these dreadful attacks against our firefighters. We have introduced DNA spit kits and CCTV cameras to our vehicles.
“We are also working closely with Strathclyde Police, community wardens and Renfrewshire Council to identity those responsible for these attacks.
“I urge anyone who knows about attacks on firefighters to ring Paisley Police Office on 0141 532 5900 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
A police spokesman added: “We will do everything we can to help the fire service deal with these shocking incidents. If they ask for a police escort into certain areas, they will get it.”
Just weeks ago, the Express told how Paisley is among six areas in Strathclyde chosen for a pilot scheme which sees fire engines fitted with spy cameras.
If fire crews come under attack, footage from the cameras can be used to help prosecute the culprits.
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