Firefighters shot with BB guns in Little Hulton

Two juvenile males have been arrested after a BB gun was fired at two fire engines and their crews.

Police were called by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) at around 11.35pm yesterday (27 October) to a report of a disturbance outside Little Hulton Library on Longshaw Drive, Worsley, Salford.

Officers attended and enquiries established that a group of youths had fired a BB gun at firefighters as they attempted to extinguish multiple fires in wheelie bins in the area.

Police later located two members of the group, aged 16 and 14, and recovered the offending weapon. They were arrested on suspicion of arson and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and remain in custody for questioning.

No one was injured.

Chief Inspector Michael Parker, of GMP's Salford division, said: "Attacks on members of our emergency services will not be tolerated and anyone that does this will face the full force of the law.

"In addition, I want the public to know that we are doing all we can to keep the streets safe during the Halloween and bonfire period with extra dedicated patrols addressing similar matters of anti-social behaviour across Salford.

"Anyone with information should contact police online, if able, or via 101 quoting incident 3722 of 27/10/2021.

Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

GMFRS Head of Prevention Paul Duggan said: “Our firefighters work exceptionally hard all year round but as we approach one of our busiest times of the year over Halloween and Bonfire Night it is completely unacceptable for crews to come under attack when responding to incidents.

"Thankfully no one was seriously injured but an attack like this could have caused firefighters or fire engines to be out of action and unable to respond to an incident where someone’s life is at risk.

“I’d ask everyone to think twice about their actions. Our blue light workers put their lives on the line every single day to keep you and your families safe and they have their own families to go home to at the end of their shift.

"They already have a challenging job, please don’t add to this by behaving inconsiderately. 

“As these arrests show, action will be taken against people who put our firefighters in danger and I want to thank GMP for their swift response to this incident.

"No firefighter, police officer or paramedic should be subject to an attack for doing their job and keeping the people of Greater Manchester safe.”

Greater Manchester undertakes a multi-agency approach to preventing, tackling and protecting against bonfire and firework injuries, anti-social behaviour (ASB) and criminal damage during the Halloween and Bonfire period.

This year’s campaign – Bang Out of Order – focusses on reducing anti-social behaviour during the Halloween and Bonfire period – specifically attacks on emergency services and deliberate primary and secondary fires.
For further information, go to: https://www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/your-safety/campaigns/bangoutoforder/