FIREFIGHTERS have asked for regular police escorts when they are called out to a Blackburn estate, after being pelted with stones.

Crews were called out to Silloth Close, on the Fishmoor estate, on Tuesday evening after a pile of debris from a demolished house was set alight.

But as firefighters were putting out the blaze, a gang of youths threw stones and hurled abuse, drastically hampering their efforts.

Police had to be called to disperse the troublemakers. Last September, escorts were put in place after youths lured firefighters to the estate night after night by setting fire to derelict houses then attacked crews with stones and bottles.

That prompted fire chiefs to say they would rather let empty houses burn than risk the safety of their officers.

Of the latest attack, leading firefighter Alex Wilton, who tackled the blaze, said: "We're not talking small stones either, but some of them were throwing rocks.

"We've had this trouble before and have requested a police escort every time we get a call to the estate. We can't risk the safety of our officers."

Karen Panaro, who co-owns the Newsagent, in Fishmoor Drive, said: "There was a period when the police gave the fire brigade escorts because attacks were happening two and three times a week.

"I can appreciate how the firefighters feel and the police are just doing their best. Fires attract children from all around the estate, but the officers shouldn't have to put up with being put in danger."

One resident on the estate, who declined to be named, said: "We have had four cars smashed in by youths throwing bricks. But if a fire started in my house I would want to know that the fire brigade were going to respond. Why else do I pay all my taxes.

"They are being paid to do a dangerous job. Even bus drivers working this area have a dangerous job."