South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue
  • In emergencies call 999
  • General enquiries 0114 272 7202

Attack on firefighters in Sheffield condemned

Fire officers have reacted angrily to reports that their crews were attacked at an incident in Sheffield on Tuesday (31 October).

Firefighters from three Sheffield fire stations were responding to a fire at a terraced house which had been deliberately set on fire due to a firework device being thrown into the property on Lifford Street in Sheffield at around 8pm.

Whilst tackling the blaze, objects including fireworks and eggs were thrown at the crews. Luckily no firefighters were injured.

Area Manager Tony Carlin at South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue said; “We are absolutely appalled that our firefighters appear to have been targeted in this way.

“Attacks like this place the safety of our firefighters, and the people they are trying to protect, at risk. Thankfully, this type of incident is extremely rare in South Yorkshire and it is only a tiny minority of people who would ever consider acting in such an irresponsible and dangerous way.

“However, even one attack on a firefighter is completely unacceptable – and we will work alongside the police to fully investigate any attacks and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”

The Assaults on Emergency Services Workers (Offences) Act 2018- also known as ‘Protect the Protectors’- received Royal Assent earlier this year and has come into force this month. Firefighters, police officers, prison officers and NHS staff are among those covered by the new law, which introduces tougher sentences for people who attack emergency services personnel.

If you have any information about this attack please call police 101.

 

This content was last updated on November 01st, 2018