TWO teenagers have been arrested for allegedly attacking firefighters as they attended to a blaze - the 45th incident of its kind in Cleveland this year.

A 15-year-old schoolgirl and a 19-year-old man have been questioned by police after an incident in Stockton last week.

Firefighters from the town were called to a rubbish fire in Embleton Close, on the Hardwick estate, at about 8pm last Tuesday.

However, when the two fire engines arrived on the scene, officers were met with a barrage of verbal abuse from a gang of youths, which culminated in them being spat at and pushed around by the yobs.

District fire service manager Ian Harrington said such malicious attacks were totally unprovoked and had a lasting affect on the officers and the service they provided.

"Unfortunately, attacks on emergency services staff is becoming more regular, which not only has an impact on those attacked, but affects the services we provide by either injuries caused or damage to equipment, and, in turn, puts lives and property at risk," said Mr Harrington.

"We will not tolerate violence to staff any longer and we are working with Cleveland Police to ensure that those who do commit violence are brought to justice for their actions.

"Our crews are trying to protect the community and keep them safe from fire, yet they are coming under attack from mindless youths, while trying to carry out their duties.

"So far this year, we have had 45 reports of violence to our staff, which includes verbal and physical abuse."

Fire engines on Teesside have been fitted with CCTV cameras because of the growing number of attacks on firefighters in recent years.

Officers in Hartlepool were pelted with stones as they tended a junk yard blaze last year.

Since the cameras were installed, the brigade has noticed a 35 per cent fall in attacks on crews between 2003 and last year.

At the height of the problem, in 2002, there were 73 attacks on crews.

Chief Inspector Gary Gamesby, head of Stockton neighbourhood policing, said: "We work very closely with our colleagues in Cleveland Fire Brigade, and will do all we can to prevent attacks on emergency service personnel.

"I make a simple plea to parents to do all they can to prevent incidents of anti-social behaviour in these neighbourhoods."

The 15-year-old girl was arrested on suspicion of assault and bailed pending further inquiries, and the 19-year-old man was arrested at the scene for public order offences.

He has been issued with an £80 fixed-penalty notice.