The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has condemned a violent attack on two on-duty firefighters who were threatened with an imitation firearm this week in Lincolnshire as ‘deplorable’.
The incident took place on Monday (10 April) evening on Holyrood Walk in Spalding, as the firefighters tackled a house fire. Both firefighters received medical attention at the scene, with one being taken via ambulance to Pilgrim Hospital in Boston for facial injuries.
Ben Selby, secretary of the FBU in Lincolnshire, said: “Firefighters are there to keep the public safe, preserve life and perform rescues when people are in trouble. The idea that someone could attack firefighters whilst they go about their lifesaving work is appalling.
"Both members are now back at work and responding to emergencies. Although this act is pitiful, it will not stop brave firefighters, like the two attacked in Spalding, from doing their duty and keeping their communities safe.
"The matter is being investigated by the Police and an arrest has been made. The FBU will continue to ensure measures are put in place to see greater support for our members when they find themselves in difficult circumstances like these."
Research published in 2016 showed that in the past two years fire crews in the U.K. have come under attack more than a thousand times.
