FIRE chiefs have hit out at thugs who hurled a brick at a fire engine as its crew dealt with a 999 emergency call.

The brick shattered a window in the engine's cab, missing two firefighters who escaped unhurt.

Thursday night's attack happened while the officers' colleagues tackled a wheely-bin fire on the Parkside Estate, Seaham, County Durham.

A crowd of up to 15 teenagers watched as the firefighters brought the blaze under control.

Last night, officials criticised the stone-throwing hooligans for the attack which, they said, could have had more serious consequences. Police are investigating the attack.

Councillor Len O'Donnell, Chairman of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Authority, said: "I am appaled by this attack on a fire crew and I hope that the appropriate authorities would take action against any individual concerned once identified.

"I hope that people who are public-minded will identify the individuals concerned and come forward."

Station Officer Dave Turnbull said the incident was a rare occurrence in the county.

He added: "Firefighters are just ordinary people trying to do their jobs and they don't want any hassle.

"At the end of the day it does shock firefighters when people have a go at them.

"The job they do is very dangerous and they don't need this kind of flak," he said