FIRE crews came under attack from yobs 15 times in the Bonfire Night period, new figures show.

Now fire chiefs in the county are to meet and discuss their concerns about the worrying trend.

In one of the worst incidents, in Sackville Street, Brierfield, firefighters had to be given a police escort after yobs hurled fireworks at them on November 5.

Lancashire Fire Authority will hear at a meeting in County Hall, Preston, how 14 other crews across the county were attacked between October 20 and November 9.

Paul Richardson, deputy chief officer, has put together a report outlining the problems.

He has pinpointed how, over the bonfire period, there was a 30.8 per cent increase in incidents, compared to the previous year - up from about 2,300 to more than 3,000.

Mr Richardson also documents another growing trend - that of fireworks being set off in dangerous places. There were 19 reports of this happening in Lancashire over the bonfire period. On November 5, the county's fire service attended 722 calls, compared to 526 in 2002, an increase of 37.3 per cent.

Mr Richardson said: "Alongside this increase in bonfire-related incidents, it is evident there have been instances of anti-social behaviour directed towards fire service personnel.

"During the nominated period, 15 occasions were reported when crews came under attack from either youths throwing stones or fireworks.

On November 5, crews from Nelson came under attack on three occasions during the night.

"Another worrying trend is that of fireworks being placed in areas likely to be of danger to members of the public.

"Two people required medical treatment, one needing aid for smoke inhalation and the other hospitalisation for burns to the leg."