DRAMATIC footage of Bradford firefighters being pelted with stones, bricks and fireworks has been released by fire chiefs to coincide with the start of a new campaign.

The footage, featuring three shocking incidents in Bradford and one in Keighley, shows gangs of youths launching missiles at fire crews while they try to work.

The new ‘More than a Uniform’ campaign is designed to make gangs of youths realise that, behind the firefighting uniform, there are human beings with families.

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The fresh bid to curb the mindless violence comes in the context of new figures showing that such attacks have doubled in Bradford in the last three years.

In the financial year 2016-17, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service recorded 95 incidents of violence against operational crews, 45 of which took place in Bradford.

The number of incidents in Bradford is twice that of 2013-14, when 22 were recorded, and up by almost 30 from 2012-13.

The campaign has started in the run up to the bonfire period, which is historically a peak time of year for attacks, to put the message across that the fire service is taking a zero tolerance approach to people attacking firefighters.

Last year, 20 of the 33 attacks in November occurred in Bradford, with 12 of those coming on Bonfire Night. This year, there have been a number of attacks on Bradford firefighters, the most recent coming on Sunday, when crews tackling a fire in the open had fireworks launched at them, hitting one firefighter in the stomach, and meaning he is current off work injured.

Dave Walton, deputy chief fire officer, said: “The rise in attacks on our crews is gravely concerning to us and as we approach the bonfire period, when we tend to see a flurry, we are delivering a clear message that it will not be tolerated.

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“We believe our crews are sometimes targeted as they are seen as a ‘uniformed authority figure’ so our campaign aims to open people’s eyes to the fact that if you attack a firefighter, you may be attacking a mum or dad, a wife or husband, or brother or sister.

“Already this year we have seen a handful of attacks on crews using fireworks and it is only a matter of time before an operational firefighter is seriously injured.

“The lead up to the bonfire and Halloween period is not an excuse for recklessness.

“Parents, if you have your suspicions that your children may be involved in such behaviour then please step in now before they end up in serious trouble with the Police.”

Chief Superintendent Mabs Hussain, of West Yorkshire Police, added: “Attacks on emergency service personnel not only put the individual themselves at risk but also the wider public, particularly if it requires the crew member to finish duty and receive medical attention.

“Unfortunately, each year around Bonfire Night we do receive reports from our fire service colleagues of attacks on firefighters. These kind of deliberate, targeted attacks will not be tolerated and we will thoroughly investigate any such offences.”

Judith Hughes, chairman of the Fire Authority, said she “cannot understand why anyone would want to attack our crews who deliver an invaluable public service day in and day out”

She said: “This year we have seen nationally the bravery of fire service personnel who risk their lives to protect

people from harm.

“Bonfire Night is the busiest time of the year for the fire service and crews do not need the extra pressure of looking over their shoulders in case a brick or firework is being hurled at them.

“We support the recent bill to Parliament to strengthen legislation in order to deliver tougher penalties for attacks on emergency service personnel and we hope this will act as a deterrent to reckless individuals.”

Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner and chairman of the Tri-Services Collaboration Board, said: “Emergency workers do an incredible job running towards danger as they try to keep our communities safe and feeling safe.

“I can’t condemn attacks on our firefighters, and all emergency workers, strongly enough as they are there to selflessly help our communities.

“I fully support the zero tolerance message to ensure those thinking of committing these despicable attacks know the consequences and consider the recklessness of their actions and that they will rightly face strong action and prosecution.”