MORE than half of attacks on firefighters across West Yorkshire between April and October occurred within the Bradford district, new figures have revealed.

A total of 34 attacks on firefighters were recorded during the seven-month period, 20 of which were aimed at Keighley and Bradford crews.

The total number of incidents across the county is predicted to rise to 58 for the year to April 2015, potentially down on the 76 attacks during the year ending in March 2014.

The fire service said the frequency and severity of the incidents should not be deemed insignificant.

A spokesman said: “Even one attack is one too many, and every assistance and encouragement will be given to the police to bring offenders to court.

“Work is continuing with a variety of agencies, from the police and district councils, to community groups and youth leaders, to address these issues.”

The nature of the attacks range from crews having fireworks and other ‘missiles’ thrown at them and being attacked with stones, to being the subject of physical assault, aggressive behaviour, or verbal abuse.

The crew from Keighley fire station only suffered one attack in the seven months to October, but were subjected to two nights of disruption on Bonfire Night and Mischief Night, not included in the most recent figures, which forced the station to shut on November 5.

Fireworks were aimed at the crew, who also had bricks and eggs hurled at them in the station’s back yard as they tried to refill an engine.

A group of youths also tried to blind the crew with laser pens in Devonshire Park, Keighley, in two nights of behaviour branded “reckless” and “idiotic” by fire chiefs.