Shock attack on fire crews

3:41pm Wednesday 28th May 2008

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A Fire crew was attacked during the early hours of this morning (Wednesday)in a shocking incident when a ball bearing was shot at the windscreen of a fire engine.

The attack took place when two appliances were called to an unoccupied property at 30 Amphion Court at 3.07 this morning (Wednesday).

The crews successfully confined the fire to the stairwell on the first floor landing of the house and extinguished the fire on the first floor of the property after battling with it for one and a half hours.

In the final stages of fighting the fire they were alerted to the attack.

A ball bearing,, thought to be fired from a catapult, had been shot at the driver's side of the fire appliance windscreen. Fortunately, the driver and crew were not inside the appliance at the time and no injury was sustained.

Police were at the scene but the perpetrators have not yet been identified.

"Attacks of this kind are senseless and dangerous," said Deputy Chief Fire Officer Richard Smith.

"Firefighters constantly put their lives at risk to help people in any emergency situation. The perpetrators have a total disregard for anyone else and obviously no respect for firefighters and the role they carry out.

"What happened this morning was a straightforward criminal act.

"It is particularly disturbing because it was carried out against emergency rescue workers who, every day, are prepared to risk their own lives. I am horrified by what might have happened here. We are lucky no one was seriously injured"

Station manager, David Hancock who was in attendance at the incident said: "I am dismayed that we were singled out and attacked while trying to protect the local community."

Legislation was brought in last year to help the fire service take action against people who assault firefighters.

Anyone with any information about the incident is urged to contact Pembroke Dock Police Station on 0845 330 2000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.