COMMUNITY leaders have condemned yobs who hurled fireworks at a fire crew as it attended an incident in Keighley.

Firefighters came under attack from between ten and 15 youths after being called out to a blaze in the open.

Some members of the four-strong crew were hit, but no one was injured.

The incident happened in the Victoria Road/Lund Park area at about 8pm on Sunday.

Watch commander Mick Rhodes, of Keighley fire station, said: "We returned to the fire engine and contacted control, and police attended immediately.

"They escorted us to the fire, that consisted of burning rubbish and bins, which we extinguished.

"There were still a number of people in the area."

Town mayor Councillor Julie Adams – who is a member of Lund Park Community Group, which works to improve the area and organises activities – said she was "disgusted" at the incident.

"It's despicable," she said.

"I thought we were succeeding in encouraging people to take pride in – and ownership of – their area, and then this happens. It is sickening.

"Members of the emergency services should be able to go about their jobs, which are difficult enough anyway, without fear of being targeted by idiots.

"And whilst firefighters are tied-up having to deal with this type of thing, there could be someone in need of their help elsewhere whose life may be put at risk."

Volunteers from the group will be out and about in the neighbourhood over several evenings later this week to offer reassurance to residents and to help provide a deterrent. Cllr Adams will also be out in her own town council ward, Fell Lane and Westburn.

Keighley MP Robbie Moore added his condemnation of the incident.

"I am extremely angry to hear about this disgraceful attack on our firefighters," he said.

"I joined them on duty just a few months ago and saw what an amazing job they do.

"Those responsible for this incident should hang their heads in shame. I urge anybody with information to come forward to the police so we can ensure these mindless hooligans face the full force of the law."

He added: "Fireworks misuse remains a big problem in Keighley and I am supportive of restrictions on their sale. I urge all local residents to let me know their views by taking part in my survey at robbiemoore.org.uk/Fireworks."

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Bradford district commander, Benjy Bush, said: "We take a zero tolerance approach to attacks on any of our firefighters – who are just doing their jobs, trying to make communities in West Yorkshire safer.

"We will support West Yorkshire Police in any action they take against those who commit attacks of this nature."

West Yorkshire Police warned last week that it would use all resources at its disposal to identify, arrest and prosecute anyone who used the bonfire period as an excuse for disorder.

Chief Superintendent Daniel Greenwood said: “Halloween and Bonfire Night are absolutely no excuse for anti-social behaviour or for anyone seeking to endanger or frighten anyone else deliberately. We will respond promptly to any reports of ongoing incidents and technology such as CCTV, bodycam and mobile phone footage gives us an unparalleled ability to identify those involved in trouble.

"I can promise we will not hesitate to take robust action against anyone who seeks to commit criminality or intimidate others whilst masquerading as ‘having fun’. Reports of damage to property or assaults on emergency services personnel will be met with the full weight of the law."