Keighley firefighters came under attack from yobs more than a dozen times in a 34-month period, new figures reveal.
The town’s crews were targeted on 13 occasions between January 2011 and October 2013, according to the West Yorkshire brigade.
Across the county there were 97 attacks – with varying degrees of severity – on firefighters attending or responding to emergency calls or carrying out community safety work.
Some crew members in Bradford district have been pelted with stones and fireworks, and even been shot at.
Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack said: “It is beyond belief firefighters are attacked while fighting fires and trying to save lives.
“In some areas, attacking fire crews has become a recreational activity with very serious consequences. It cannot be part of anyone’s job to face abuse, threats or attacks.”
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