Yobs throw timber at firefighters dealing with rubbish fire in Wigan

A crew from Wigan was called to the Woodcock Estate, Platt Bridge, at about 7.30pm yesterday (December 22), where they were attacked by a group of around 15.

The thugs also threw part of a paving slab at the front panel of their fire engine which narrowly missed the main window.

Crews, who had been dealing with a rubbish fire started by the youths, escaped unhurt.

Crew manager Martin Pike said: "One crew attended a rubbish fire in Platt Bridge in the Woodcock Estate.

"Some 15 youths were in attendance round the fire having started it and they started throwing timber at the crews.

"Part of a paving slab was then launched by them at the front of the fire engine narrowly missing the main window."

Describing the incident as "appalling", Mr Pike said the appliance would have ended up off the road, "putting lives at risk", if the window had smashed.

He said: "We only have two fire engines and damage to the window would have meant 50 per cent of our appliances would be off the road, putting lives at risk.

"We've got 360 degrees CCTV of the incident which we'll be sending to the police who we've contacted about this.

"Parents also need to know where there children are, who also need to follow Covid guidelines which have been broken here."

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