Up to 20 youths attacked crews at a garden fence fire in Jamaica Street. Crews were also attacked after putting out a fire at Belvoir Forest Park.

Fire engines were damaged in the incidents but no-one was injured.

The Fire Service area commander for Belfast, Chris Kerr, condemned those responsible for the attacks, but praised the dedication of fire crews.

"This is having an affect on their morale," he said.

'Hard core'

"But it's a tribute to their professionalism that they return to those areas time and time again, to provide a service for the community even though they are attacked."

He said there was a concerted effort to reduce the number of attacks on crews in many parts of Belfast, and this had been largely successful.

"Unfortunately, there is this hard core of people who are very hard to reach and continue to attack my firefighters as they go about their duties," he added.

Last November, two firemen were injured after a children's "prank" went wrong in County Antrim.

A youth interfered with the water controls as crews were dealing with a blaze in a skip near Lisburn.