'Despicable' attack on firefighters extinguishing bonfire in Cookstown

Police say a number of youths had earlier started a fire in the area.

Mid Ulster PSNI said in a social media post: "Our NIFRS colleagues had to withdraw from the area after their vehicles were attacked by stone throwers.

"This is despicable behaviour and undermines the excellent work being carried out by emergency services.

"When incidents like this happen, it may mean we're not attending calls where we are truly needed.

"If you were involved in this, just stop for a minute and think about what you're doing.

"If you have information on this incident please don't comment here. Please call us on 101 and quote serial 734, 28/10/20."

A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) said a small quantity of bonfire material had been lit by a number of youths.

"Firefighters extinguished the fire with one hose reel jet. As Firefighters were leaving the incident they came under attack by youths throwing stones.

"No NIFRS employees were injured and there was no damage to NIFRS equipment. The cause of the fire was deliberate ignition and the incident was dealt with by 1.11pm."

Local Ulster Unionist councillor Trevor Wilson said the emergency services were doing their job trying to help the local community and end up being attacked.

"I would appeal to all parents to make sure their children do not get involved in this type of behaviour," he said.

"I have also been informed of anti-social behaviour in the Moneymore area in recent days. Cars are being 'egged' and this could result in a vehicle crashing or being damaged."

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