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August 23, 2013

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Sharp drop in fire-fighter attacks in Scotland

The number of attacks on Scottish fire-fighters while attending incidents has more than halved in the last two years, according to official statistics released yesterday (22 August).

‘Fire and Rescue Services Statistics’ show 56,251 home fire-safety visits were carried out in 2012/13, around one for every 45 domestic properties in Scotland.

Scotland’s chief statistician found that 80 incidents were recorded in 2012/13 — a decline of 32 incidents on the previous year. With more than 172 incidents recorded in 2010/11, the total number has declined by more than 50 per cent over the last two years. The number of personnel injured in attacks at incidents increased slightly, however, from one in 2011/12 to four last year. In 2010/11, 14 fire-fighters were injured in attacks.

As in previous years, the most common type of attack  last year was ‘objects thrown at fire-fighters and/or appliances’ — with 42 incidents recorded.

Community safety minister Roseanna Cunningham welcomed the fall in attacks on fire-fighters, but said that more effort was needed to reduce the number further.

“Our fire-fighters across Scotland do a fantastic job and should be able to carry out their duties protecting the public free from any kind of assault, or harassment,” she said. “Despite a drop of almost 30 per cent in the number of attacks on service staff last year, any attack is utterly unacceptable and, at 80, the number of incidents is still too high.

“We support police, prosecutors and courts to use the full force of the law to bring anyone guilty of such offences to justice.”

Chief Officer Alasdair Hay echoed the minister’s sentiments, adding: “It is pleasing to note the fall in attacks on our fire-fighters, who are valued members of our communities and who should be able to respond to incidents without fear of attack.”

Under the Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act 2005, anyone found guilty of attacking personnel undertaking emergency responses can face fines of up to £10,000 and/or a 12-month prison sentence.

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