Police had to disperse a crowd which attacked firefighters when they tried to put out a bonfire in Merseyside.

In a separate incident, a �150,000 fire engine was badly damaged when it was pelted with bricks by youths.

The crew of the engine had been lured into an alley by the gang's fake 999 call.

Merseyside Fire Service said they dealt with almost 600 emergency calls between 1730 GMT and midnight on Bonfire Night.

The number of attacks have become really quite alarming

Alex McDougal, Merseyside Fire Service

One firefighter received minor injuries during a response to a 999 call.

But the most serious incident was in Litherland where a crowd of up to 40 youths attacked firefighters in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The crew was responding to reports that youths were trying to put a car on the bonfire.

Sergeant John Griffiths, of Merseyside Police, said: "This was a despicable attack on firefighters who were carrying out their tremendously important job and they deserve the right to go about their duties without incidents like these."

In the attack on the engine in Belle Vale, Liverpool, up to 12 people threw house bricks after lighting a fire up an alley.

Escalating violence

Firefighters were already on the outside of the vehicle preparing to get off when the onslaught began, but managed to escape without injury.

Other incidents have included fire engines being attacked by men intent on stealing door-breaking equipment.

Alex McDougal, of Merseyside Fire Service, said the incidents marked the climax of escalating violence against firefighters in Merseyside.

He said: "The last month appears to have been open season on firefighters.

"The number of attacks have become really quite alarming.

"It is now an every day occurrence and attacks are so common that many firefighters have given up reporting them.

"Unfortunately this is a year round activity. It simply comes to a peak at this time of year."