Lives are being jeopardised by teenage stone throwers in Belfast, the Northern Ireland Fire Service warned tonight.
Thirteen firefighters have been injured in attacks this year, including one incident where an appliance could not respond to an emergency call because it was so badly damaged.
Area commander Mr Sam McIntyre said youths were being encouraged to steal from fire engines and "goading" crews to stop them so that parents can claim against officers who have touched their children.
He added that morale among staff has plummeted because of the incidents.
"Many firefighters are now approaching me through their representative bodies and indeed directly, telling me that they feel threatened, they are not being allowed to do the job that they are being paid to do," he told BBC Radio Ulster.
"They want to do it in peace, no threat from young people, and they are feeling quite intimidated by the whole matter."
PA