Death threat issued to fire chief

Mr Pearson has not reported the threat to police

Avon's chief fire officer said he has received a death threat after disciplining four firefighters for being on Bristol Downs.

The incident led to a furore amid media claims the officers were in trouble for shining a light at men having sex.

Kevin Pearson said he had received up to 300 abusive e-mails since then and was still receiving them.

But he insisted: "Many of the responses I received were nothing short of hysterical homophobia."

The abuse followed his intervention after an incident where four firefighters were disciplined for being in the wrong location in June.

It was later reported that they had disturbed men having sex on the Bristol Downs.

The service launched a six-week investigation after the crew was reported as being in an area without authority.

It is not my job to make judgements about people's lifestyle Kevin Pearson

After the inquiry, one of the firefighters was demoted and two others fined. All were given written warnings.

Mr Pearson said: "The reaction we got from the media [shows] that homophobia is evidently still widespread in our society.

"It is not my job to make judgements about people's lifestyle. It is my job to make judgements about the behaviour and actions of my staff.

"There was no evidence of illegal or sexual activity. The reports made a connection to activities that may or may not take place on Clifton Downs.

"I would point out to people that whatever their views on disciplinary sanctions, the officers involved were advised they could appeal and none of those involved chose to."

The regional secretary of the Fire Brigades' Union, John Drake, declined to comment on the initial incident which led to the disciplinary hearing.

"We condemn any death threats made and hope that, if there is a police investigation, they get the maximum possible [sentence if convicted]," he said.

Mr Pearson said he had not reported the death threat to police.

A conference on homophobia has now been organised by the service.