Firefighters were pelted with stones as teenage yobs continue to cause chaos in a Wearside town.
Crews, who had just extinguished a wheelie bin fire in Hetton le Spring, were attacked by a group of youngsters.
The shameful scenes occurred just days after Go North East refused to drive into Hetton due to anti-social behaviour which locals claim has turned the area into the "
Northumbria Police is investigating the latest incident. The force recently increased patrols while vowing to hold both the culprits - and their parents - to account.
However Hetton's deputy mayor claimed they are still awaiting a response from the force over a request for police staff to attend a town council meeting to discuss the trouble.
"We will as you may imagine be pushing hard for action to be taken to eradicate this type of behavior," said Coun Dave Geddis, who praised police for previously tackling other anti-social behaviour including off-road biking.
However, he added: "The residents are at their wits end.
"Even the bus companies are refusing to go into the bus terminal due to youths throwing rocks at the bus windows."
That incident, which one mum blamed on "little charvers" resulted in bus services being temporarily stopped from entering the terminal, where many locals say gangs of up to 30 kids congregate at night.
A string of incidents, including bin fires and abuse, has previously been linked to the youths.
The latest incident involving the stones happened at around 7.30pm on January 4 happened as a crew from Rainton Bridge were leaving having put out the fire in a park near Deepdale Street.
“Attacks on our firefighters are completely unacceptable," said a Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson.
"If you know who was responsible for either the wheelie bin fire or the attack, please report them anonymously to FireStoppers on 0800 169 5558.
"We’d also encourage parents to talk to their children about respecting emergency service workers and the consequences of anti-social behaviour.
"Our crews are equipped with body worn cameras and our vehicles capture CCTV footage that can be used to support the prosecution of anyone who subjects us to abuse or attacks.”
Northumbria Police say enquiries are ongoing.
