Fire crews have suffered repeated attacks from gangs of youths

The incident happened as a four-man crew tried to extinguish a rubbish fire in Trelewis near Merthyr Tydfil in the south Wales valleys, at 2230 BST on Thursday.

Youths stoned the fire engine before targeting the firefighters - hitting one of them on the head with a brick with such force that it split his helmet.

The incident comes days after BBC News Online reported that gangs had been targeting fire crews in the Merthyr area while on call-outs.

A spokesperson for the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said the brigade was "extremely concerned about the incident" and said it was not an isolated case.

"All year round, in all areas of the brigade, our firefighters and our vehicles are subject to similar unprovoked attacks and abuse," said the statement.

I am sure there are people who know who they are - if we are going to sort these problems out, these people have to come forward Councillor Helen Thomas

"We are currently working, and will continue to work with other agencies to tackle this serious problem, with a view to reducing the frequency and impact of these incidents on our firefighters."

The injured man was a part-time firefighter based at Treharris - he was taken to Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr, but has since been discharged.

Local councillor Helen Thomas said a multimillion Millennium Park complex, with a basketball court and skate park had not stopped problems with delinquents.

"It doesn't seem to make any difference in terms of behaviour," she said.

"It is disgraceful firefighters cannot do their job."

She called on people in the community to identify the youths responsible.

"I am sure there are people who know who they are - if we are going to sort these problems out, these people have to come forward."

Following repeated attacks highlighted earlier in the week in the Merthyr area, it was agreed that police would escort crews in certain locations.

It is shocking. We just can't understand why this is happening Station Commander Paul Mason

During one incident on Merthyr's Galon Uchaf estate, crews said they were trying to extinguish a car fire when a gang of about 20 youths threw aerosol cans into the blaze.

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

Station Commander Paul Mason said his earlier warning that it would only be a matter of time before firefighters got hurt, had now become fact.

"It is shocking. We just can't understand why this is happening," he said.

"This has had a big impact on everyone.

"And this will ultimately have an effect on how quick we can get to an incident, but we have to make sure it is safe for the firefighters."

A spokeswoman for South Wales Fire Service said that the firefighter injured would be off work until he was fit to return.