More firefighters attacked in Bradford than anywhere else

The city has had the most incidents in West Yorkshire over the past 18 months. 

Figures show that the county's crews have suffered 127 attacks since April 2021 where they were assaulted, stoned, had fireworks thrown at them or were threatened with weapons.

To date from April 2021, there have been 50 attacks in Bradford and 32 in Leeds - the highest figures in West Yorkshire.

The cards, which will be handed out by youth workers, have been welcomed by chiefs at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS), who have seen a high level of attacks on crews in recent weeks.

They will remind young people of the consequences they face from attacks on emergency service workers. Not only will they be arrested and charged with an offence, but the record stays with them for life.

A West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service engine (Image: Telegraph & Argus)

Scott Donegan, area manager with responsibility for operations & risk reduction, feels the cards could be the wake-up call youngsters need.

He said: “We need to get through to young people that what may seem harmless now, could have consequences for the rest of their lives.

“When their friends are getting jobs, houses and cars they will be struggling because they will have these attacks on their record.

"Attacking emergency service workers is a serious offence and could see young people spend up to a year in custody.”

Councillor Abdul Jabar (Image: Bradford Council)

Cllr Abdul Jabar, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and community safety, added: “Our emergency services play a vital role for our community so an attack on them is an attack on us all.

"It’s important that we get the message out to everyone to respect the role they play in protecting and helping us when we need it.

"We want young people to understand that any attack on emergency services can have serious consequences.”

Assistant Chief Constable Scott Bisset, of West Yorkshire Police, said: “Emergency services workers are faced with danger or the potential for danger every day of the week, so we very much hope that this initiative clearly spells out the consequences people face if they attack a firefighter, paramedic or police officer who are simply doing their job.

“Making a bad choice now could have consequences that impact the rest of their lives. There is no excuse for violence against emergency services personnel.”