Terrifying moment mob turned on the firefighters

STEVE WILLIAMS

AN OLDHAM councillor has described the terrifying moment a group of 60 yobs began hurling stones at firefighters on Saturday night.

The Chronicle reported on Monday how firefighters from Oldham were called out to a job in Pitt Street, Glodwick, to reports that a bonfire had got out of control.

On arrival they were satisfied that it was actually in control. But the crew were then pelted with stones by around 60 youths. Police then arrived a short while later.

Hollinwood ward Councillor Steve Williams, who is also a member of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, decided to ride along with the Oldham crew over the weekend so that he could experience first hand what they do on a daily basis.

He started his shift on Friday evening and finished on Sunday morning.

"I was horrified," said Councillor Williams. "I couldn't believe it.

"It's unacceptable. No one, in this day and age, who is in the emergency services, should be subjected to that.

"We were going to say, just watch out. But as soon as we jumped off the appliance, they started throwing missiles at us.

"One firefighter, Lee Moran, was hit on his helmet ­- I was horrified with what I was seeing."

A spokesperson from GMP said: "Police were called to Pitt Street, Oldham, to reports of youths throwing fireworks.

"When officers attended, youths threw fireworks and bottles towards the police vehicle, causing damage to a wing mirror.

"An unknown offender later threw a brick at a police vehicle, causing damage to the window.

"The fire service was called and attended.

"Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting the reference number 2328 of 05/11/16, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."