A FIRE brigade has confirmed it will take a zero tolerance approach to attacks on firefighters after it emerged North-East crews have been targeted in four separate incidents of violence and anti-social behaviour in the past week.

Firefighters have been attacked when attending illegal blazes in Bishop Auckland, Chester-le-Street, Crook and Wheatley Hill.

Three of the attacks on crews from the Darlington and County Durham Fire and Rescue service involved throwing missiles, aggression and verbal abuse – and one involved a laser pen.

Police are investigating all the incidents, with fire authority bosses determined to stop the perpetrators from using Bonfire Night as an excuse for anti-social behaviour.

The service is warning that all crew vehicles have been fitted with CCTV and have warned that every step will be taken to ensure the perpetrators are caught.

Andrew Allison, the service’s senior community safety officer, said: “Our crews extinguish illegal fires because they are potentially dangerous to local residents and the fire setters themselves.

“Fires can spread very quickly and the people lighting these fires often have no means of putting them out.

“On many occasions we find that alcohol is being consumed and it is only luck or the intervention of the fire service that prevents someone getting hurt.

“To attack or hinder our emergency crews is an offence and we want the public to identify the perpetrators to the police so action can be taken to prevent future occurrences.

“County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service adopt a zero tolerance approach to attacks on crews and our fire appliances are fitted with CCTV so we will take every step possible to catch the individuals involved.

“For most people this time of year is an enjoyable one but there is always a minority who seek to use it as an excuse for anti-social behaviour.

“Our message is that any attack on our crews will not be tolerated and, in partnership with the police, will be thoroughly investigated.”

Details of organised displays and the firework code are available on ddfire.gov.uk