Councillor McAllister was speaking after the incident on Friday (September 11) around 8.30pm. The car had been hijacked on the New Lodge Road and driven a short distance before being set alight. Two firefighters attending the scene received significant bruising when youths attacked them with a bat, iron bar and bricks. As the fire engine retreated from the scene, it was then attacked with stones.
“This attack potentially put the lives of firefighters at risk,” said Councillor McAllister.
“The Fire Service was there to help the community from the results of antisocial elements, so it is a concerning turn of events. I would appeal to parents to be aware of where their children are, particularly at night, to ensure they are not involved in such reckless actions.
“When the Fire Service is attacked like this, it also means they are unable to attend other incidents, therefore putting more lives at risk. I would appeal to anyone with information on it to contact the police immediately.”