Nearly 40 firefighters in the North could have lost their jobs if a pay deal to end their strike had been accepted, employers claimed today.

Firefighters will consider any serious and significant offer on pay during talks aimed at averting an eight-day strike, one of their leading trade union spokesman in Northern Ireland claimed today.

Firefighters in Northern Ireland today held out the possibility of breaking their strike if a full-scale emergency occurs during the 48-hour stoppage.

Northern Ireland’s Chief Fire Officer today warned spiralling attacks on his crews could result in someone being killed.