McGimpsey: Zero Tolerance For Attacks On Firefighters

Condemning a further spate of attacks on firefighters in Dungannon and Londonderry over the weekend, the Minister said it was absolutely unacceptable for anyone to assault emergency workers.

He said: "Given the importance of firefighters in protecting our communities, I am extremely disappointed that I am once again having to condemn further attacks on them. Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to save lives in their communities. By attacking firefighters these people are attacking the whole community. Their actions are cowardly and totally unacceptable.

"There is a very real risk that if these attacks continue, a firefighter will be seriously injured or equipment may be damaged, resulting in a fire engine not being available for a real emergency. I would ask the perpetrators of this violence to think of these very serious consequences before engaging in this dangerous, criminal and anti-social behaviour.

The Minister continued "There has to be a zero tolerance response to attacks on all healthcare and emergency workers. It is likely that those people who carry out these cowardly attacks will one day need life-saving help from the very staff they are assaulting.