A fire engine was severely damaged when it was attacked by brick-throwing youths in a targeted attack overnight (Monday, May 13).

Cleveland Fire Brigade is appealing to the public for help in identifying the culperts after the incident in Grangetown, Middlesbrough, left the fire engine out of action.

Over the weekend crews attended the Grangetown area on four different occasions, where they experienced groups of youths deliberately setting fires and attacking fire engines.

The most recent attack took place on Birchington Avenue after midnight on Monday May 13, where one of the fire engines was targeted by youths and the windscreen was severely damaged by bricks.

The fire engine will remain off the road while it gets repaired in our workshops.

Fire chiefs said the consequence of this "senseless behaviour" not only costs thousands to repair, but it also now means they have one less fire engine available and ready to attend real-life emergencies - which could put you and your family at risk.

Simon Weastell, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, and Director of Community Protection said: “It is completely unacceptable for our staff to be subject to violence and acts of vandalism whilst protecting the public.

“Our job is being made more difficult by the thoughtless actions of a minority intent on setting fires and then trying to injure staff and damage engines.

"In this instance it means a vehicle is off the road and unavailable to respond to other incidents. These attacks also divert crews from real emergencies where lives may be at risk.

“Such violence also puts firefighters at risk of serious injury. Cleveland Fire Brigade will not tolerate such attacks.

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"Our vehicles are fitted with CCTV cameras and staff are equipped with body cams and we will use any evidence we have to support the police to secure a prosecution of anyone who has been violent towards our staff and vandalised property.”

"We would like to appeal directly to our local communities to help us identify those responsible for such dangerous and anti-social behaviour."

If you know who is behind these attacks, contact FireStoppers which is completely anonymous. Alternatively, you can call them on 0800 169 5558.