BURNLEY was left with no fire cover for hours when drunken yobs pelting crews with stones tied up the town's pumps.

Both of the town's appliances had to attend arson attacks in Burnley Wood after thugs hurled missiles at crews arriving to put out the fires.

And today the yobs were slammed by fire chiefs, police and councillors who vowed to "bring them to book".

Green watch manager Peter Ashworth said one crew had to keep a lookout and act as deterrent to the gang of 15 youths aged between 15 and 17 because police were too busy with other incidents.

He said firefighters took pictures of the offenders and officers may visit schools to identify the yobs and would try to secure anti-social behaviour orders.

"There was a gang of about 15 youths who had been drinking and when we arrived, we were faced with missiles, thrown by a few.

"They were threatening and abusive and they knew we couldn't do anything about it.

"It is unnerving having to keep an eye on people while fighting a fire," he said.

The trouble started when one pump attended a rubbish fire in Crowther Street at 10.05pm on Saturday.

Other fires started on the night included:

l a bonfire made by youths on a playground at the junction of Oxford Road and Brunswick Street at 11pm.

l fires in Oxford Road at 11.40pm and 11.50pm when crews came under attack

l the bonfire being re-lit at 1.54am with both appliances attending

l both pumps attending rubbish fires in Smalley Street at 2.27am and Parkinson Street at 3.05am

The incidents come weeks after fire, police and council bosses promised a crackdown on youths starting fires on the estate following a spate of arsons.

In May, Walter Garnett, 60 died after Burnley's crews were delayed attending a fire at his home because they were dealing with an arson attack at Imperial Mill, Liverpool Road. A pump from Nelson had to attend.

Mr Ashworth said: "These incidents meant there was no cover for the rest of Burnley.

"We are going to bring them to book and see if we can secure ASBOs on them. They are not going to get away with it."

Ward councillor Denis Otter said if the youths were identified, action needed to be taken.

"I'm shocked and disappointed. The parents also have to take responsibility."