Firefighters facing ‘vicious' attacks

Firefighters facing 'vicious' attacks

Protracted delays in publishing a Welsh Assembly report into violence against firefighters have been criticised by FBU. The firefighters' union has called for the immediate publication of the report, which it was told two years ago was in preparation. 'The recent attack in South Wales on firefighters with an air rifle, in which one firefighter was injured, is just the latest of a catalogue of vicious and vindictive attacks,' said Grant Mayos, FBU regional secretary. 'We have seen fire crews called out by hoax callers and when they arrive, being ambushed with stones and bottles. Our members have been spat at, shot at, abused and harassed whilst protecting their communities and carrying our life saving duties. In some areas attacking fire crews has become a recreational activity. Yet as far as we know, not a single person has been convicted of an attack on firefighters within Wales in the past year.' The Welsh Assembly said two years ago it was concerned, but was waiting for a report to get an accurate picture on the extent of the problem. 'This report has not materialised, attacks continue unabated, and nothing seems to be done about it,' said FBU's Grant Mayos. 'Recent legislation which was put in place in order to protect our members simply isn't being implemented. The FBU wants to see greater priority to this matter from the police, before one of our members is killed.'

FBU news release.