A 13-year-old Bradford boy has been convicted of attacking a firefighter in Bradford – and ordered to pay £50 compensation.

The boy, who cannot be named due to his young age, appeared at West Yorkshire Youth Court, at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates’ Court, to face a charge of common assault of an emergency worker.

It was in relation to an incident in Rokeby Gardens in Eccleshill in September last year.

Crews had been called to a kitchen fire but had to call the police for backup after coming under attack from a group of youths.

They approached fire crews while they were dealing with the blaze and one firefighter was punched before the group ran off.

The youth, who initially denied the offence, was referred to the Bradford Youth Offender Panel for six months and his parent/guardian will have to pay the £50 compensation.

Andrew Dracup, Assistant District Commander at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “It’s appalling to witness the disgraceful and senseless attacks that our firefighters are subjected to.

“In addition to the troubling physical and mental impact this has on our firefighters who are working hard to keep their communities safe, such mindless actions are a drain on public resources and essential emergency services with many fire service call-outs also now requiring a police presence and additional fire crews.”

Martyn Bairstow, secretary of the West Yorkshire Fire Brigades Union, said those responsible for attacks “should face consequences for their actions through the courts”.

He said: “We sadly see the mental and physical harm done to our members following such attacks.

“Firefighters are there 24 hours a day 365 days of the year to help the communities they serve and should not have to face verbal and physical abuse whilst doing their job.”

Other emergency workers face similar vile ordeals and courts regularly hear the horrendous abuse and attacks they are subjected to.

Only last week, a man was jailed for 12 months after pointing an imitation handgun at the paramedic treating him in an ambulance in Bradford city centre.

Nick Smith, Executive Director of Operations at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said staff face the possibility of violence, assault and aggression every time they start a shift.

“When they occur, these physical and verbal attacks can have a significant and lasting impact on individuals, affecting all aspects of their lives,” he said.

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