Pledge over firefighter attacks

Bonfire Night is one of the busiest times of the year for firefighters

Firefighters in Wales have been promised that everything possible will be done to prosecute people who attack or abuse them while they are working.

A partnership between the fire services and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has been backed by the assembly government.

Firefighters have been told they will receive protection under an initiative similar to one previously launched to support hospital workers.

There are about 50 attacks on fire service staff each year in Wales.

In the build-up to Bonfire Night, the CPS, Welsh fire services and police forces have signed a memorandum of understanding promising all cases will be fully investigated and where possible brought to court.

For a few anti-social individuals they [firefighters] are seen as 'fair game', to be goaded, abused and attacked while undertaking their work Social Justice and Local Government Minister Brian Gibbons

Social Justice and Local Government Minister Brian Gibbons said: "Though incidents are relatively few, it is a sad indictment of our society that emergency workers have come to view such behaviour as an occupational hazard.

"By signing this memorandum we are sending out a clear message to our emergency workers that they do not have to put up with such behaviour and we will support them."

The agreement covers all operational staff - firefighters, control room personnel, and non-uniformed personnel involved in activities such as community fire safety.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service assistant chief officer from Steve Skivens said: "Although the numbers of attacks are low, certain areas have a persistent issue where fire service personnel can be subject to attacks".

His counterpart at South Wales Police, David Morris, added: "This is a clear statement from the four police forces in Wales that we take a zero tolerance approach to any attacks on fire service personnel, whether it be verbal or physical, and will do all that we can to bring the culprits to justice".