POLICE have said anyone who attacks emergency workers will be prosecuted "to the full extent of the law" after a firefighter was attacked in the line of duty yesterday.

Officers were called to Rokeby Gardens in Eccleshill just after 6pm on Wednesday following reports a firefighter was punched while attending a fire.

Crews had been called to a kitchen fire at a house in the street at 5.30pm but had to call police for back up after coming under attack from a group of mindless thugs.

The gang of youths approached fire crews while they were attending the blaze and one firefighter was punched. The cowardly group then ran off.

Luckily the firefighter was not injured by the yob's pathetic punch.

Police are now appealing for witnesses who saw the incident to come forward so those responsible can be brought to justice.

Enquiries are ongoing into the incident, and police are asking for help from the public to identify the attackers.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Weekes, of Bradford District Police, said: “This was an incident in which a West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service colleague was blatantly assaulted while trying to keep the public safe.

“Attacks on emergency services will not be tolerated and we are committed to working with our partner agencies and the public to build up information on those involved to ensure that justice is served."

Anyone who has information about the attack and those responsible is asked to call police on 101, quoting dcrime reference number 13210496802.

Information can also be given by using the live chat facility on the West Yorkshire Police website, or by contacting independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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