Youths attack Coleraine firefighters

Police are appealing to parents in the Somerset Drive area of Coleraine following a number of incidents in which firefighters have been attacked while responding to emergency calls.

In the first incident, at around 3pm yesterday, damage was caused to a fire engine when a crowd of youths throwing bottles and other missiles attacked officers attending a fire in a shed. Some of the youths are thought to have been as young as 14 years of age.

In the second incident, just before 8.30pm, a crowd again attacked officers dealing with a grass fire. No damage was caused during this incident.

Neither attack resulted in any injuries.

East Londonderry Ulster Unionist David McClarty strongly condemned the attacks.

“This type of behaviour is not acceptable on those serving to protect the community. It is appalling and cannot be tolerated," he said.

“Those responsible for attacking paramedics and fire service personnel are depriving the community of the right to life. The time has long passed when those who carry out these attacks should feel the full force of the law.

“We have to make an example of them and that means the courts have to get tough and come down heavily on those convicted of this kind of behaviour. It is the only way to make others step back and think about what they are doing.”

Police are advising parents to be aware of what their children are doing and are appealing for anyone with information to contact them at Coleraine on 028 7034 4122 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

(GB)