A GROUP of youths threw stones at firefighters trying to control a bonfire last night.

The incident happened at around 9pm in Tunstall Square, Brierfield, forcing firefighters to retreat back to the engine while the group dispersed.

Now fire chiefs are warning that they are not prepared to put the safety of their crew at risk and if it happens again they will drive away.

Sub Officer Neil Hardiman of Nelson Fire and Rescue said: "We have had this kind of thing happen before when we have attended bonfires, but we will not tolerate it.

"It is coming bonfire season so we want people to know that we will not put ourselves at risk in these situations.

"Fortunately nobody was actually hurt in the incident but that is beside the point.

"We just want to be able to get on with our job, but we can't do that if we are put in this kind of situation."

The police attended the scene but when they reached the site the troublemakers had fled.

Sub Officer Hardiman added: "Unfortunately the police didn't catch them because they all ran off."