Mob attacks fire crew in Co Londonderry

Fire fighters in Londonderry came under attack last night after responding to reports of a fire in the Glenfada Park area of the Bogside.

The fire crew had to withdraw from the area after they where attacked by stone throwers. During the incident, a windscreen on the vehicle was smashed, but no one was injured.

SDLP councillor, Helen Quigley condemned the attack describing it as "malicious" and "shameful".

She added: "Attacks of this nature only serve to increase the possibility of no-go areas in Derry and elsewhere, where the emergency services will not go as their safety cannot be guaranteed.

"This particular area of the city is a regular hotspot for attacks such as this and action needs to be taken to bring it to an end."

Station officer Mark Darrall also condemned the attack and urged community representatives with influence to encourage those responsible to end the attacks.

This latest attack followed a similar incident on the Shankill Road in Belfast recently after a fire crew came under attack from a crowd of stone-throwing youths.

An emergency vehicle was also damaged in that incident, rendering it out of service for a short time.

The fire service has said attacks on fire crews were now becoming a daily occurrence across Northern Ireland. (MB)