NI fire services urged to support firefighters

The Northern Ireland public was urged today to rally round their firefighters after an attack on a crew in west Belfast left a fireman with neck and head injuries.

Northern Ireland Office Public Safety Minister Shaun Woodward issued the call after reports that youths used mobile phones to take photographs of the attack last night on the crew.

The firefighters were set upon by up to 20 youths when they went to put out a rubbish blaze in the Black’s Road area last night.

During the trouble a youth ran up to an officer and hurled a large boulder at his head.

Mr Woodward said the ambush was outrageous and cowardly.

“We need the public to stand fully behind everyone who bravely works in our emergency services,” he said.

West Belfast Area Fire Commander Chris Kerr said people were getting sick pleasure from attacks on his officers, which he branded “recreational violence”.