FIREFIGHTERS have come under attack by stone throwing yobs for the second time in three days.

The thugs pelted fire crews with rock as they attended a deliberate blaze in a derelict house in Macleod Street, Nelson, around 7.30pm on Saturday.

No-one was hurt but firefighters had to call for police assistance.

On Thursday night, fire crews in Burnley came under attack after yobs started fires.

One stone hit a firefighter and another struck the engine in Burnley Wood but no one was hurt.

A group of around 25 youths were involved in the attack at the back of Oxford Road.

The attacks in Burnley and Nelson have been blasted by fire chiefs, councillors and police.

Sub-officer Mark Woodward, of Nelson fire station, said: "These people are putting the lives of firefighters at risk.

"They are also risking damage to valuable equipment and are potentially delaying us from attending a genuine emergency."

Nelson councillor, Mahboob Ahmed, added: "This sort of behaviour cannot be tolerated and I would urge anyone who knows who the perpetrators are or who sees them in the act to get in touch with police. This must be stopped."

Police stepped up patrols in both areas over weekend and a spokesman said: "This kind of behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

"We sent three patrols to escort the fire brigade which ties up our resources if a more serious incident takes place at the other end of town."

Firefighters in Brierfield were hampered in their attempts to tackle a fire on bonfire night last year after gas canisters were thrown into the flames. They were forced to retreat after youths threw firework missiles at them.