Fire fighters come under attack at house fire

Fire crews were attacked by a crowd of youths throwing stones as they travelled to the blaze in Lakeview at 12.18am.

The occupants of the house had escaped the fire by the time crews arrived and firefighters had to administer oxygen to the householders, both of whom were suffering smoke inhalation

Two appliances, one from Crumlin and the other from Antrim, attended the incident and though there were no injuries or damage to the Fire Appliance, the Lisburn Temporary District Commander Martin McDonald described the attack as worrying.

"Although this was an isolated incident I am disappointed and concerned that local firefighters, who were only out doing their job and protecting our community, should be attacked in such a manner," he said.

"Fortunately this attack did not prevent or delay the Firefighters from attending the house fire but the consequences could have been more serious, endangering both members of the public and the Firefighters themselves.

"Overall the number of attacks on the fire and rescue service has reduced over the past number of years and I would continue to appeal to the community and also to parents to help educate their children not to attack the emergency services. Firefighters are part of the community and they work tirelessly to protect the local community.