A FIREFIGHTER was hit on the forehead by a stone as children as young as seven attacked crews called to a bonfire blaze.

Dave Robinson was left with blood running down his face from a cut just above his left eye after the incident, at Fulledge Recreation ground, Burnley

Firefighters had earlier told a group of 20-30 youngsters aged from seven to 12 that the fire had to be put out because sparks were spreading to nearby fairground caravans.

In a separate incident a slate was thrown like a frisbee skimming between three firefighters before smashing into a fire engine.

Burnley Station Commander David Burton has appealed to parents to warn their children against such dangerous behaviour.

He said: "Unfortunately, the stoning of crews is becoming a more frequent problem with the offenders getting younger, anything from six to twelve. "The stone that struck Firefighter Robinson was only inches from his eye and the injury could have been much more serious.''

He said parents ought to be aware of the harm and damage their children could cause. Father-of-three Mr Robinson was back at work yesterday after receiving hospital treatment for the wound.

He said: "We were dealing with a bonfire at one side of the fairground when the other fire fire started up.

"Sparks were going over the caravans and it was explained to the youngsters why we had to put it out.

"At first everything was quite amicable but when the steam began to spread they became quite excited.

"Suddenly I felt a smack on the forehead. It came right out of the blue and clattered me just over the eye. For a time I was disorientated and didn't know what had happened.''

Dave, who lives in Brierfield, is married with three children of his own.

He said: "We have been extremely busy with bonfire incidents in the last few weeks but it is getting out of hand when youngsters take to throwing stones at people just doing their job.''

Police are investigating the assault and also other problems with youths at Fulledge.

Insp Phil Cottam said: "People were building the Burnley Rotary Club community bonfire but as soon as it was going up, youngsters were taking stuff off it.''

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