Social Inclusion: Union calls for measures to end firefighterattacks

The call comes on the back of research carried out by the union, which found that more than 40 attacks take place on fire crews each week in the UK. Andy Gilchrist, general secretary of the union, said: "Many incidents are in deprived areas that have poor youth facilities and poor housing, where bored young people turn to drugs and alcohol."

He added that the causes of the problem were complex. "There is no quick-fix solution, but we need to start with a properly resourced national strategy, rather than leaving it to cash-strapped local fire services," he said.

Another spokesman for the union said a national strategy would build on existing successful projects. "There are several education projects aimed at young people working at a local level, but what is needed is dedicated funding from national government," he said.