Crews are attacked at eight fires

Fire crews came under attack eight times over the weekend, the Fire and Rescue Service has said.

One firefighter was hit by a brick during one attack in Belfast, he was not seriously injured.

North and West Belfast District Commander Lenny Entwhistle said the attackers were mostly aged between 12 and 16 and had often been drinking.

He said attacks were demoralising for crews and that they were working with the community to try and end them.

He said that youths had been setting fires in order to attack firefighters when they went to put them out.

The number of attacks on firefighters have been falling year on year, he said, and added that there was concern at the latest spate.

"It could be put down to the heat, the weather's good and I have to say that people seem to be taking a bit more alcohol and they seem to be attacking us now due to staying out later at night," he said.

He appealed to parents to educate their children not to attack the emergency services.

"We are there to protect the community," he said.