Derry fire chiefs warn lives at risk from mobs

Fire chiefs today warned lives could be put at risk after a crew was attacked by a mob in Derry.

Youths - hurling bricks and rocks - smashed the windscreen of an engine responding to an emergency call in the Bogside area of the city.

There were no injuries, but a senior officer insisted it was only a matter of time before the attacks caused a tragedy.

Station officer Mark Darrall said: "If we are stopped doing our job eventually lives will be put at risk.

"Not only the lives of crews but the communities we serve."

Firefighters were called to Glenfada Park last night where rubbish was alight.

But as the crowd began throwing stones the officer in charge decided to withdraw because the blaze on open ground posed no serious threat.

Mr Darrall pleaded for those with influence to stop the attacks.

"Community representatives need to speak to these people and tell them we are there for their benefit," he added.

"If they stop us doing our job eventually someone is going to get seriously injured or killed."