A Newcastle firefighter said he could have been killed after a scaffolding pole was deliberately thrown at the windscreen of a fire engine.
Watch Manager Graeme MacDonald was on his way to a crash in Walker with his crew from Byker Community Fire Station when they were targeted in a vicious attack.
The incident, which took place in the early hours of August 31, 2019, saw a 12-inch scaffolding pole smash through the window of the fire engine.
Go here for the latest news live from Newcastle city centre
The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service engine had its blue lights and sirens in full operation when the cowardly act took place.
The crew had been responding to a report that people had been trapped inside a car that had flipped onto its roof following a collision.
Watch Manager Graeme, who was in the cab at the time of the incident, said: "I could’ve been killed or seriously injured."
The 36-year-old dad from Ashington warned that attacks on emergency services are "not a game" and have consequences.
His warning comes ahead of Bonfire Night on November 5, when incidents of anti-social behaviour and attacks on firefighters are rife.
"Think about what you are doing before you act: at the end of the day, I want to go home and see my family," Graeme said.
"I'm married with children and I want to safely return to my wife, son and daughter.
“I also want to make sure that my crew are safe as well.
"It's not a game. It's not fun.
"Incidents of anti-social behaviour create significant implications and what those individuals are doing has a real effect on people’s professional and family lives.
“Not only do their actions have consequences, but it also means that the fire engine isn't available to attend other incidents. It also has cost implications for the public."
He continued: “The incident I was involved in has stayed with me, and I wouldn't want any other crews up and down the country to experience the same ordeal.”
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said that since the start of 2021 there have been 50 attacks on their firefighters.
Graeme, who has served with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service for more than 11 years, said firefighters come to work to protect the community, not to be attacked.
He said: "Go to an organised event and don't engage in any anti-social behaviour - particularly attacks against the fire service and other emergency service personnel as you never know when you might need our help."
Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Peter Heath, from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said individuals responsible for violence against crews will be brought to justice.
“Any attacks on firefighters and other emergency services colleagues on Bonfire Night or any other night of the year is unacceptable," he said.
"We aren’t just talking about a person risking their life day in, day out.
"We are talking about a real person - someone’s loved one – who wants to serve their community and return home safely after work.
“Firefighters, like all other emergency workers should be treated with respect and dignity, in the manner they deserve.
"These acts of violence against our crews won’t be tolerated and the individuals responsible for these actions will be brought to justice with help from our partners.
"Please be careful this Bonfire Night and recognise the work and commitment the emergency services make to keep you all safe from harm.”
If you have any important information about deliberate fires being ignited in your local community – you can report the details anonymously by calling Firestoppers on 0800 169 5558 or by reporting it through their website www.firestoppersreport.co.uk
