Authority debates homophobia row

Mr Pearson said he had not reported the threats to police

A special meeting of Avon Fire Authority has been called in a row over alleged homophobia in the force.

It follows the disciplining of four firefighters for being on Clifton Downs without authority last June.

It was subsequently reported that they had deliberately disturbed men having sex in the area.

The action provoked criticism, with hundreds of critical emails and death threats directed at Avon's fire chief, Kevin Pearson.

Now councillors who oversee the work of the service are to meet on Friday in Bristol to discuss the case.

Fire Chief Kevin Pearson said he had received up to 300 abusive e-mails and was still receiving them over the incident.

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

Mr Pearson said he had not informed police about the emails.