Police bosses have warned that a bunch of disgusting yobs who attacked officers and fire crews will be brought to justice.
One officer was left injured and emergency vehicles damaged after an attack in Newcastle on Saturday (January 14) night.
Firefighters dealing with a rubbish fire in the city’s west reported a group of about five youths gathered around and began lobbing glass bottles and rubble towards at them.
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Police officers attended the scene to investigate but the group of youngsters soon returned and began throwing items at them too damaging two police cars and one fire engine.
Cops became aware of people throwing items from the footbridge on West Denton Way but as they approached an officer was assaulted by a number of individuals before the group fled the scene.
The officer received treatment for a head injury and is now recovering at home.
An investigation has been launched into the attack and one male, aged 16, was arrested in connection with the incident before being released on bail.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness told The Northern Echo: “It is sickening that anyone would think it’s OK to attack emergency service workers.
“They work hard doing their jobs to make our region safer – they’re there to help and look after our communities.
“They all need to be given the credit and respect they deserve, not subjected to abuse and serious harm.
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“To have a very small minority of the communities you are dedicated to serving act like this is appalling and I know Northumbria Police will be doing everything they can to ensure those responsible for these vile actions are brought to justice. This will not be tolerated.”
Chief Supt Helena Barron, Northumbria Police Area Commander for Newcastle and Gateshead, condemned the behaviour and asked the public for support in bringing those responsible to justice.
She said: “This is absolutely abhorrent behaviour which will not be tolerated – acts of violence against emergency service workers are completely unacceptable and utterly senseless.
“We wish the officer who was injured a full and speedy recovery.
“We have launched an investigation and have been busy carrying out door-to-door and CCTV enquiries, as well as deploying extra officers in the area to carry out patrols.
“We recognise this is a small minority of individuals and welcome the overwhelming support we receive from our communities.
“We would ask that you continue to work with us, and we urge anyone who may have information about what happened to get in touch. Any detail, no matter how small, could really help.
“Anyone found to have been involved will be brought to justice.”
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