YOUTHS who attacked firefighters tackling a blaze in a Keighley park have been branded “diabolical” by local councillors.

The politicians have demanded action to avoid a repeat of Saturday evening’s shocking incident as officers tackled a rubbish fire at Victoria Park.

Police this week pledged action against teenagers who shouted abuse and threw stones at the firefighters.

And fire chiefs, who also condemned the youths’ actions, revealed there had 33 attacks on firefighters across the West Yorkshire area so far this year.

Keighley Central Ward councillors Abid Hussain and Khadim Hussain spoke of their outrage following the incident in Victoria Park on Saturday at 8.30pm.

A crew from Keighley Fire Station came under attack from about 20 youths while tackling a rubbish blaze.

Watch commander Andy Quinn said the teenagers shouted abuse and threw objects at his crew.

He said: “The fire was something and nothing, but there were a few missiles thrown at us. Nobody was hurt.”

The two councillors, who represent Keighley Central ward on Bradford Council, were horrified to learn of the incident, and immediately condemned the actions of the youths.

Coun Abid Hussain said West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service were dedicated to protecting the community.

He said: “Firefighters are there to save people’s lives, not to take abuse and stones from youths.

“The police need to take serious action. Whoever was involved should be arrested.

“We need community support. If people know anything about the incident they should report it.”

Coun Khadim pledged to speak to community leaders in the Lawkholme and Eastwood neighbourhoods, which border Victoria Park, and make sure parents were aware of the “disgraceful” problem.

He said “The police, fire service and ambulance service are there to save people’s lives. They put their lives in danger, and they deserve our support.

“To throw stones on a fireman when he’s there to put out the fire could endanger someone’s life.

“It’s not acceptable, it’s diabolical. It’s a serious anti-social behaviour situation.”

Keighley Station Commander Mark Helliwell said: “Attacks on firefighters in Keighley are very rare and we hope this recent incident on Saturday evening is a one off.

“Across the Bradford district there have been 13 incidents so far this year. Any attack on a firefighter is one too many and we condemn this mindless behaviour.

“Firefighters are there to protect life and property and should not be hindered in their duties by a minority of reckless individuals.”

Sgt Diane Collins, from Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Attacks on emergency services personnel will not be tolerated and will be thoroughly investigated with a view to bringing offenders to justice.”