Group of Throckley youths 'aim fireworks' at firefighters putting out wheelie bin fire
by Daniel Hall · ChronicleLiveA group of youths aimed fireworks at firefighters who were putting out a bin fire in the Newcastle suburb of Throckley.
Firefighters from West Denton Community Fire Station were called out to Tilmouth Park Road in Throckley on Friday night after reports of a fire on the field by the GP surgery. When they arrived, four wheelie bins were found to be on fire.
As firefighters aimed to put out the fire, a "group of youths" aimed fireworks at the firefighters. Police were called to assist but the group had left before they arrived, and thankfully no injuries were reported.
The latest attack comes as Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service urged the public to respect their firefighters, with more than 50 attacks taking place through 2023. This includes five incidents during the five-day period around Bonfire Night in 2023, three of which took place on November 5 itself.
It is not the first time the crew from West Denton have been on the end of a violent attack, after teenagers reportedly threw a petrol bomb and glass bottles after being called to a fire in January last year.
A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We can confirm that a fire engine from West Denton Community Fire Station was dispatched to Tilmouth Park Road in Throckley after a report of a fire on a field. The emergency call was received at 18:51 on Friday, November 1, and an appliance attended.
"Four wheelie bins on fire were extinguished by firefighters. Whilst in attendance, fireworks were aimed at the crew by a group of youths so police were called to assist."
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: "Shortly after 7pm on Friday (November 1) we were called to assist Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service in the Tilmouth Park Road area of Throckley, Newcastle. Officers attended the scene where it was understood a group of young people had thrown fireworks aimed at crews in attendance at a fire.
"However, those involved had left the area before police arrival. No injuries or damage was reported. Enquiries are ongoing."
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