Warning after firefighter attacked with firework

Greater Manchester's fire service has warned troublemakers that using fireworks as missiles "will not be tolerated" after a firefighter was injured when a rocket was aimed at the crew.

A video showing the moment the rescue worker had to duck for cover while attending a fire before Bonfire Night in 2023 has been released to highlight the problem.

The crew member, who was struck after getting out of a fire engine, was "off work for some time" after the attack, a Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said.

The warning comes after 22 attacks on firefighters were recorded between September and November last year.

The service said more than 1,100 fires were deliberately started and 1,017 hoax calls were also reported by emergency services over the same period.

Kate Green, Greater Manchester's deputy mayor, said anti-social behaviour "will not be tolerated".

She said a minority had set out to cause "distress to residents, communities and emergency services".

Incidents have included bogus phone calls "that distract firefighters from attending more serious incidents, and attacks on emergency service workers who are trying to help", she added.

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