Fire service condemns abuse of officers

Abuse of fire crews trying to do their job is totally unacceptable, the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) has stated.

The service has spoken out after the Fire Brigades' Union claimed attacks on personnel nationally had become a 'recreational activity' with crews facing a rising daily threat of being ambushed, shot at, stabbed and abused.

The RBFRS said that while there were only two recorded incidents of staff being targeted in 2007, any cases of fire crews being intimidated were unacceptable.

Spokesman Nicole Targett said: "Luckily, it is unusual in Berkshire. Members of the public are extremely supportive of our work and understand that firefighters are often dealing with life-threatening situations."

She added: "A firefighter’s prime concern in dealing with an incident is the safety of anyone trapped or injured, the safety of members of the public and the safety of their colleagues."

"We obviously take very seriously any attempts to impede or harass our staff whilst carrying out their duties. We monitor this type of incident very carefully and if there is any indication of criminal activity, would support police involvement."