Tougher sentences are needed to help tackle a “sickening” rise in attacks on fire crews, the Local Government Association urges today.

Latest government figures show that attacks on firefighters in England have surged by 66 per cent in four years, from 578 in 2014/15 to 961 in 2018/19. The number of firefighters injured following attacks during this period have soared by 175 per cent, from 24 to 66.

The attacks, which have increased during lockdown in some areas, put firefighters at risk of serious injury, can stop them attending an emergency where lives may be at risk, and can cause a vehicle to be withdrawn from service.

Attacks on emergency workers became a specific crime in 2018, but only 17 per cent of the 9,000 offenders who have since been sentenced for this offence have received an immediate jail term, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council.

The LGA, which represents councils and fire and rescue authorities in England, is calling for tougher sentences for attacks on firefighters. It says the current maximum sentence of a year’s imprisonment should be increased to reflect the seriousness of the offence.

Attacks on firefighters include harassment, verbal and physical abuse, and objects – such as bricks, stones and fireworks – thrown at firefighters and fire engines. Eight firefighters required hospital treatment following assaults in 2018/19.

Typical incidents include drunk people assaulting firefighters on Friday and Saturday nights, and ambushes being set up on housing estates, leading to fire crews having missiles thrown at them upon arrival. More serious incidents involve firefighters being attacked with weapons.

A firefighter for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service was injured after fireworks were aimed at him and a colleague by a group of 15 young people as they tackled a bonfire in Crumpsall Park. A firework became lodged under the back of his helmet, burning his hair and right ear.

Cllr Ian Stephens, Chair of the LGA’s Fire Services Management Committee, said:

“It’s completely unacceptable for emergency service workers to be subject to attacks, aggression or acts of vandalism while protecting the public. The rising trend in violence towards firefighters is sickening.

“Our firefighters, like all emergency service workers, do a fantastic job in protecting our local communities and saving lives and should deserve our completely respect.

“The senseless violent actions of a minority of people puts firefighters at risk of injury or even worse and can also stop them from attending an emergency where lives may be at risk.

“Firefighters deserve complete protection. Increasing the maximum sentence for assaults on firefighters will show that these attacks will not be tolerated.”

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