FIREFIGHTERS have called for police backup following attacks by youths who have hurled stones and burning footballs at officers and their engines.

The hoaxers, from particular trouble spots in the city, are burning rubbish fires and dialling 999 to get firefighters out. Then they throw things at them and their equipment.

Now officers are assessing the urgency of the call and asking for police back-up.

Preston station commander Mark Briscoe said that in the last three weeks they have had particular problems on Frome Street, Fishwick.

He said they have called for police to assist them after youths hurled stones at them: "They kicked a burning football on to the fire engine one day. We asked the police to attend all calls to the street, as a matter of course. These incidents have gone up and are happening more frequently. They started before we went on strike, but some of the coverage we've had may have encouraged this anti-social behaviour."

Mr Briscoe said that they would never ignore a call, even if they were certain it was a hoax, but he did say they have started to risk assess their jobs.

"If there's not an immediate risk to nearby property or a threat to lives and we know it's a rubbish fire, we will not treat it as a priority," he said. Now the police and firefighters are working together and looking at ways to stop the crimes.

Working in partnership with community safety officers they hope to increase a presence on the streets and stamp out the hoax calls.

Chief Inspector Allan Whyllie from Lancashire Constabulary's community safety said: "This is totally unacceptable.

"We will support them and we will be seeking to arrest and prosecute any offenders.

"Attacking members of the fire service is intolerable."