Firefighters have now been attacked on duty three times in a WEEK - this time by yobs as young as ten.
Sunderland crews reportedly had stones pelted at them by "a large group of youths" after they raced to extinguish a fire - which had been started on purpose.
It is just the latest in a string of shocking attacks on emergency service workers.
ChronicleLive is currently fighting for tougher sentences for thugs who attack 999 heroes.
The latest incident happened in Hendon, and according to one of the region's top firefighters, involved primary school pupils.
"For the third time in a week, Fire crews were attacked last night by a large group of youths," tweeted Chris Lowther, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue's chief fire officer.
"Some of the attackers were as young as 10 years old.
"Parents, do you know where your kids are and what they are doing?"
The incident reportedly unfolded on Monday night on Commercial Road, although thankfully nobody was injured.
It followed attacks on crews in the Downhill area of Sunderland last Thursday and Saturday.
A gang of around 15 youths chucked rocks and stones at the crews on that occasion.
ChronicleLive has launched a campaign - Justice for Heroes - and is demanding a full Government review into the sentencing of criminals who attack our emergency service workers.
Just one in six people who attack 999 workers are jailed, despite tougher sentencing powers.
