
The new Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has condemned attacks on fire-fighters after it was revealed the number of incidents had more than doubled in the past 12 months.
The Mayor spoke out as Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service revealed the details of two incidents where youths had deliberately started fires to lure crews into their communities and then pelt them with missiles and abuse.
He said: “My heart sinks when I hear that Greater Manchester fire-fighters are being treated in this way. It is truly appalling. There is no excuse for it. I think most young people would also be appalled. They would say these young people don’t represent them in any way, shape or form. The idea of attacking people who are there to protect the public, to save lives, is beyond belief.”