YOUTHS threw bricks at firefighters who were called to several grass fires in Blackburn.

Two crews had to retreat from tackling a number of blazes at land off Albion Street as they were pelted with objects by several teenagers just after 11pm on Tuesday.

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Police were called to deal with the troublemakers before firefighters were able to put out the fires.

The crews took shelter near the Fox and Hounds pub, in Ewood, and spent around 80 minutes dealing with numerous deliberate grass fires.

A Blackburn fire station spokesman said: “There were fires in several areas and we had to wait until the police arrived until we could properly reach them.

“Once the land was secure, we could get on with the job. There was no serious damage to the fire engines but they were struck.”

The crews returned several times throughout the night to make sure the area was safe and secure.

A Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “It is shocking when something like this happens. Firefighters were there to deal with several small fires on wasteland when they had bricks thrown at them and the fire engines.

“Thankfully, there were no injuries or damage to the fire engines; however, on another day this incident could have been more serious.

“A damaged fire engine or an injured firefighter will lead to fire engines being taken off the run temporarily, which increases response times and puts the wider public at risk.

“Attacks on firefighters are deplorable and we urge anyone with information about this incident to contact the police or Crimestoppers anonymously so we catch the people responsible.”

A spokesman said: “We were called at around 11.15pm on Tuesday by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.

“There was a request for assistance as a result of the crew being struck by bricks that were thrown by a group of teenagers.

“Once the group had dispersed, the fire crews were able to continue putting the fires out.

“No-one was arrested.”