Firefighter injured after Newtownabbey attack

A report was received shortly after 9.40pm that officers from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) were attending a call in the area when they came under attack from a large group of youths.

It was reported that the youths were throwing stones. A firefighter received a shoulder injury when he was struck with an object as a result of this incident.

Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector, Emma Spence said: “We would strongly condemn this type of anti-social behaviour and nobody comes to work expecting to be assaulted.

“This firefighter had been carrying out his duty and serving our local community in order to protect property, prevent danger to the public and reduce any further risk of injury.

“If you have information in relation to who was responsible for this incident, please have the courage to come forward and provide information.

“Our enquiries are continuing and we would appeal to anyone with any information or who may have footage of this incident to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 2017 of 21/04/22.”

Alternatively, information can be provided online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ Information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/

Detailing the incident, a NIFRS spokesperson said: “At 8.59pm, firefighters were called to reports of wood on fire on O’Neill Road, Glengormley. One fire appliance from Glengormley Fire Station attended the incident.

“Unfortunately, when our crew arrived at the incident they were attacked by youths throwing debris and as a result one of our firefighters sustained a shoulder injury. Firefighters withdrew from the incident at 9.14pm.

“These attacks are senseless, and we are calling on the community to support us by stopping these attacks. Every time someone attacks our firefighters, they are making their own community less safe.

“We know that the people who do this are a small minority and we appreciate the support we receive from the community. We will continue working closely with community groups, statutory agencies and elected representatives to try and prevent attacks like this from happening again.”

----