‘Consequence cards’ to be given to youths in areas with frequent attacks on emergency worker

The cards have been welcomed by fire chiefs at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS), who have seen a high level of attacks on crews in recent weeks.

Youth workers will be handing out the cards, which remind young people of the consequences they face from attacks on emergency service workers.

Recent figures show that firefighters in West Yorkshire have suffered 127 attacks since April 2021 where they were assaulted, stoned, had fireworks thrown at them or were threatened with weapons.

Bradford and Leeds have the highest figures. To date from April 2021 there have been 50 attacks in Bradford and 32 in Leeds.

Scott Donegan, area manager with responsibility for operations & risk reduction, said the cards could be the wake-up call the youngsters need. “We need to get through to young people that what may seem harmless now, could have consequences for the rest of their lives,” he said.

“When their friends are getting jobs, houses and cars they will be struggling because they will have these attacks on their record. Attacking emergency service workers is a serious offence and could see young people spend up to a year in custody.”

The latest attack took place in Leeds at Halloween when 20 youths threw fireworks at crews who were tackling a blaze.

At 9.15pm on Monday firefighters were called to a fire in the open at Alexandra Road, Hyde Park when fireworks were thrown directly at the fire engine that was in attendance.

Assistant Chief Constable Scott Bisset of West Yorkshire Police said: “Emergency services workers are faced with danger or the potential for danger every day of the week, so we very much hope that this initiative clearly spells out the consequences people face if they attack a firefighter, paramedic or police officer who are simply doing their job.

“Making a bad choice now could have consequences that impact the rest of their lives. Emergency services personnel work hard in the community to keep people safe, there is no excuse for violence against them.”

In April of 2017 the specific offence of assaulting an emergency worker was brought into force - with those guilty facing up to two years behind bars.

Last year ministers also brought in 'Harper's Law' giving mandatory life sentences to the killers of emergency workers.

Cllr Abdul Jabar, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and community safety, said: “Our emergency services play a vital role for our community so an attack on them is an attack on us all. It’s important that we get the message out to everyone to respect the role they play in protecting and helping us when we need it. We want young people to understand that any attack on emergency services can have serious consequences.”

Last year ministers also brought in 'Harper's Law' giving mandatory life sentences to the killers of emergency workers.