A FIREFIGHTER has condemned yobs who have attacked him twice in a week.

The firefighter, who asked to remain anonymous, suffered an eye injury when youths threw mud and stones at his crew while they tackled a blaze in Crook, County Durham, on Thursday night.

It followed four incidents in Bishop Auckland, Chester-le-Street, Crook and Wheatley Hill earlier this week.

The firefighter was hurt when a missile was thrown across a road and went through the open window of the fire engine.

The firefighter said: “I live in Crook and joined the fire service to help protect the people who live here. It makes me very angry that I have to suffer this kind of attack when I am just trying to do my job protecting the community.

“What people may not realise is that by attacking us, they are also delaying us attending a real emergency.”

County Durham and Darlington Fire Brigade is appealing to the public to help stop attacks on their fire crews.

Andrew Allison, the service’s senior community safety officer, said: “The fires were a danger to the public and our crews as they involved aerosols. The crew were attacked while returning to the fire appliance.

“What is particularly distressing is that Crook fire appliance is a retained crew – professional firefighters who actually live in Crook.

“Their families are obviously shocked that they should receive this type of treatment while trying to keep their neighbours safe.”

Police are studying security camera images to catch the perpetrators, and officers will support crews over the coming days to prevent further incidents.

Mr Allison said: “We are going into the local schools again to explain our role and working closely with the local police to identify those responsible.

“We urge parents to ensure they know what their children are up to and we implore anyone who has information to contact the local police.”

Police Inspector Kevin Tuck said: “It is a serious crime to throw objects towards vehicles over a highway, and in extreme cases, those convicted could face custodial sentences.

“We are increasing patrols and operations in support of our partners in the fire service over the next few days and will respond robustly to any reports of this nature.”