FIREFIGHTERS in Gwent were attacked with fireworks while dealing with an emergency call.

And a service spokesman has warned crews will be forced to withdraw from non-life threatening incidents in the future if the attacks continue.

A group of youths fired fireworks at firefighters tackling a vehicle fire on Ivydene Close in Trevethin, Pontypool, and the crews had to withdraw from the scene while they waited for police.

Just two weeks ago another fire crew was pelted with stones answering a minor call in Pontnewynydd.

Firefighter Craig Russell said: "We were called to a van fire in Trevethin and about three or four youths starting verbally abusing us.

"We carried on trying to put the fire out but about six more youths appeared and started lobbing fireworks at us.

"I rang control and asked for them to ring the police but it got to the point where we couldn't put the van fire out because it was too dangerous. Even when we were pulling off, a few bangers were thrown on top of the fire engine."

Community fire safety liaison officer Bruce Kilshaw said: "These people are using fireworks as lethal weapons - these things are explosives, and they are firing them at our crews."

Mr Kilshaw said all non-life threatening incidents would be risk assessed, with the result that officers who came under attack while dealing with routine calls would in future withdraw if necessary.

Anyone with information about the attack at about 9.30pm last Friday should call Pontypool police on 01495 764711, or Crimestoppers on 0800555111.