THE FIRE Service has issued a picture highlighting damage to the Haworth fire engine during last night’s bonfire-related street violence.

The photograph graphically shows the danger repeatedly faced by local firefighters on the front line during recent nights.

The Keighley and Haworth crews have repeatedly come under attack from youths firing rockets, throwing rocks, or lighting illegal fires.

The damage to the fire engine has been estimated at £2,000.

The Haworth vehicle had its windscreen smashed at about 10pm last night while responding to reports of a fire in the open on Belgrave Road.

The firefighters, who had been called by police, were confronted by 30 youths who had barricaded the road and set a fire. Immediately following the attack the crew withdrew from the area, and the Haworth engine had to be taken out of service for the rest of the night.

The attack came during the Haworth’s third visit to Highfield area in less than two hours.

They were first called at about 8.50pm to a fire in the open on Highfield Lane, but had to withdraw due to youths throwing fireworks.

They returned half an hour later to nearby Belgrave Road, Keighley, to tackle a fire in takeaway shop. They had to withdraw due after having eggs thrown at them.

Area Manager for Fire Safety, Ian Bitcon, estimated the cost of buying and fitting a new windscreen to be about £3,000.

He said: “We completely condemn these abhorrent actions which put our firefighters in jeopardy.

“We are currently working alongside police and will be providing our silent witness CCTV footage to aid their investigation.”