They were responding to reports of a fire at Glenfada Park in the Bogside on Thursday when they were attacked by stone throwers.

The crew were forced to withdraw after the windscreen of their vehicles was smashed.

No-one was injured in the incident.

If they stop us doing our job eventually someone is going to get seriously injured or killed

Mark Darrall Station officer

Station officer Mark Darrall said if attacks on fire crews continued it would lead to tragedy.

"If we are stopped doing our job eventually lives will be put at risk," he said.

"Not only the lives of crews but the communities we serve."

Mr Darrall urged community representatives and others with influence to encourage those responsible to end the attacks.

"If they stop us doing our job eventually someone is going to get seriously injured or killed."

Meanwhile, a day-care centre has been damaged in a fire near the Fountain estate in the city.

Fire crews took two hours to contain the fire which began at about 0500 BST on Friday close to houses at Hawkin Street.