Last updated: 09/07/2018, 6:20 PM

Appeal for witnesses after firefighters attacked with fireworks in Tower Hamlets

07/11/2017 21:41
Tower Hamlets
Outdoor fire
)

We are asking for the public’s help to identify the culprits responsible for attacking our crews with fireworks while they were attending an emergency call on Bonfire Night.

Firefighters were called to a bin alight in Wellesley Street in Stepney at 2141 on Sunday when the incident occurred.

Tom George, London Fire Brigade’s Director of Operations, said:

“It is unacceptable that firefighters were targeted with fireworks while responding to an emergency 999 call in Stepney last night.

“Unfortunately one firefighter was injured as a result of this attack.

“We will not tolerate attacks on firefighters and we will be working with our colleagues at the Metropolitan Police Service to identify those responsible.”

Officers from Tower Hamlets CID are investigating.

Anyone who has information concerning the identity of anyone involved in setting the fires or the attack on emergency services should call Tower Hamlets CID by dialling 101, via @MetCC or anonymously calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Our LIFE (Local Intervention Fire Education) scheme was launched in Tower Hamlets in 2002 and offers 14 to 17 year olds the opportunity to learn a range of skills while working alongside the Brigade.

It was set up as a response to antisocial behaviour against our firefighters and over the past 15 years has engaged with more than 14,000 young people. Every attack on our crews is deplorable but there are far few objects thrown at our firefighters in recent years. Over the past five Bonfire nights there has been just seven objects thrown at crews.