DUNDEE: GANG OF YOUTHS WHO HARASSED FIREFIGHTERS CRITICISED FOR ACTIONS

GANG OF YOUTHS WHO HARASSED FIREFIGHTERS CRITICISED FOR ACTIONS

Emergency services in Dundee have hit out at a group of youths who harassed a crew of firefighters in the city.

The five-man crew was intimidated by a gang as they tackled a car which was ablaze in Whitfield Drive.

Firefighters fought to extinguish the blaze after the fuel tank of the car burst, spilling fuel on to the pavement.

Police were also called to the fire at around 8.45pm on Tuesday, just a few yards away from the scene of a blaze at St Matthew's Church on Monday.

Officers left after the latest fire was extinguished but were recalled after a gang of about 15 youths began pulling hose reels from the fire appliance.

Tayside Fire and Rescue group manager Jim Cumming said the work of a firefighter is difficult enough without the addition of harassment and intimidation.

"It makes it extremely difficult to perform if you've got to worry about personal safety," he said.

"On this occasion it was a rescue pump - one of the appliances which carries cutting equipment for road traffic accidents, as well as ladders and breathing apparatus.

"It was delayed in being ready to serve the public because of the children pulling the hose reel off. It was not needed but it easily could have been."

He added: "We do not get a lot of trouble - and people in Dundee should be pleased about that. But we can't be complacent and it's not a habit we want to see developing."

A spokesman for Tayside Police said those involved in such behaviour will be "dealt with accordingly".

"Every public service worker, including those in the emergency services, has the right to carry out their role of serving the community without the threat or fear of personal harm or injury arising from the reckless, antisocial and criminal behaviour of an irresponsible few.

"I would urge their parents to be proactive in making themselves aware of where their children are, who they are with and what they are doing, before the consequences of their actions catch up with them."

http://www.thisisnorthscotland.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=149212&command=displayContent&sourceNode=232919&home=yes&more_nodeId1=149221&contentPK=18575802