Fire crews have suffered repeated attacks from gangs of youths

Crews based at Merthyr Tydfil have seen a rise in violence against them as they attend incidents at the Galon Uchaf estate in the town.

During one incident, they were trying to extinguish a car fire when a gang of about 20 youths threw aerosol cans into the blaze.

On another occasion, they described how they were lured into the area and faced road blocks from which youths pelted them with stones and shouted abuse.

It is only by luck that none of the firefighters have been injured Paul Mason, South Wales Fire Service

Station Commander Paul Mason said he felt his colleagues were being specifically targeted by the youths

"We have been bombarded with stones and our vehicles have been hit," he said.

"It is only by luck that none of the firefighters have been injured - but it is only going to be a matter of time before someone gets hurt.

"We have experienced this kind of behaviour sporadically before, usually at this time of year with bonfire night approaching.

"But it is now constant and we have genuine fears not only for our crews but for the public as well."

The fire service are now liaising with South Wales Police about arranging police cover during call-outs to incidents at the estate.

"We are really concerned about this because waiting for the police before we go in all takes time and could have serious consequences in a fire, but we have to ensure the safety of the crews, " said Mr Mason.

The situation is making us reticent about going into the area Paul Mason, South Wales Fire Service

"Fire crews are in the area regularly giving out safety advice and fitting smoke alarms, yet we are being stoned when we are being called out.

"What the reasoning behind it is we don't really know. But the situation is making us reticent about going into the area.

"And we are concerned that people are being put at risk because we are being prevented from getting to the incidents quick enough," he said.

Police help

Police in Merthyr have said they are co-operating with the fire crews.

Acting inspector George Messruther said: "There is a mindless faction on the estate who throw stones at the fire crews.

"At the moment the fire fighters are calling us to ask us to attend which we do when we can.

"They don't want to go in without us because they are getting stoned and we don't want them to go in without us at the moment either.

"People need to realise that if they continue to attack the fire crews, one day it may be their family that is prevented from being helped because fire fighters are unable to do their job," he added.