Fire crews attacked at Armagh bonfire

Published Monday, 02 July 2012
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Firefighters have been attacked in Armagh after attending reports of an out-of-control bonfire.

Fire crews attacked at Armagh bonfire
It happened over the weekend. (© Pacemaker)

Around eight men threw bottles and shouted abuse at emergency crews during the incident at Annareagh Road in Hamiltonsbawn, in the early hours of Sunday.

A fire hydrant key was also stolen but later recovered.

Victor Spence, Portadown District Commander at the NI Fire and Rescue Service, has condemned the attack.

He said firefighters deserve to be treated with more respect.

"Thankfully attacks on our firefighters are declining year on year and although this was an isolated incident I am asking the community for their support to ensure that firefighters are able to carry out their job without fear of attack or harassment," said Mr Spence.

"Firefighters have a job to do to protect the local community.

"If they are called out to attend a bonfire that is out of control, they are responding because someone in that area is concerned.

"Remember, firefighters are not out to spoil anyone's fun, their job is to protect life and property from the dangers of fire."

Police have appealed for anyone with information on the attack to come forward.

They can contact the PSNI in Armagh on 0845 600 8000, or the independent Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

© UTV News
Comments Comments
9 Comments
Davy McFaul in South Derry wrote (351 days ago):
"Don't see you on condemning attacks on ambulance crews, fire crews, PSNI which happen in nationalist area on a weekly basis" Hyperbolic much John? Please list me five consecutive attacks on the emergency services in Nationalist areas in the last five consecutive weeks.Scumbags who attack fire engines are scumbags no matter where they're from. The fact that you feel you have to defesively qualify your condemnation with a "but what about. . ." speaks volumes.
Ulysses32 in Belfast wrote (351 days ago):
Yeah, I'm just wondering whether or not he has condemned the loyalist rioting last night. Just to be evenhanded as he suggests......
W in Northern Ireland wrote (351 days ago):
Shame on them for attacking the fire service.
paddy in belfast wrote (352 days ago):
well said ulysses32 but i doubt it that john in armagh will understand that excellent statement you made.maybe you should break it down for him......
paddy in belfast wrote (352 days ago):
@john in co armagh.are you right in the head fella?wat has my condemnation of this mindless attack got to do with nationalist areas or 12th july bonfires?you can bring religion into it if you want.i wont be drawn into a sectarian argument with someone as shallow as yourself.its people like you that have the country in the state it is.i condemn attacks on all emergency services in all parts of this country.what did i write in my original post that made you think different????now theres a few questions for you to ponder!!!!!
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