UPDATE: 3.25pm

POLITICIANS spoke out today after a 30-strong gang attacked firefighters with stones while they tackled a suspected arson in Cwmbran.

The crew were putting out a small refuse fire in a wooded area when they were confronted by the youths, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said.

One stone hit a firefighter's helmet but luckily no one was injured during the incident on Saturday night, fire chiefs said.

Gwent Police are investigating the suspected arson and assault on the firefighters.

Torfaen council leader Bob Wellington today branded the attack in his ward as “appalling”.

Meanwhile, former Torfaen Mayor Mandy Owen, who saw around 10 youths aged 16 and over running away from the fire, said it was “awful”.

Mr Wellington, a Labour councillor for Greenmeadow ward, told the Argus: “It is appalling youngsters should be throwing stones at firemen who on behalf of the community are trying to solve problems.

“Residents need to be alerted to that. We don’t condone this business.

“The last thing they want is to be hindered by youths throwing stones.”

Greenmeadow ward Labour Cllr Mandy Owen lives in Beddick, a cul de sac near the wooded area.

She said: “When I came out I saw smoke coming from the trees.

“I saw kids coming out from the wooded area. Some were on push bikes and a motorbike scooter.

"It’s awful, absolutely. I don’t know what we can do. They are doing their job saving people. I’m lost for words.

“It is very worrying they attacked firemen when they were putting a fire out.

“They are old enough. One was driving a scooter - They’re not young kids. They should know better.”

A South Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: "Approximately 30 youths attacked firefighters from Cwmbran by throwing stones at them at a deliberately lit refuse fire in Greenmeadow.

"No firefighter was injured and Gwent Police are investigating the incident."

Police are appealing for anyone with information relating to who is responsible for the incident to get in touch by calling 101 quoting the log number 408 01/08/15.

 

11.20am

A GANG comprising around 30 youths attacked firefighters with stones while they tackled a suspected arson in Cwmbran last night.

The crew were putting out a small refuse fire which had spread to trees when they were confronted by the gang, according to South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

One stone hit a firefighter's helmet but luckily no one was injured, the fire service said.

Firefighters attended the incident in woods near Beddick, Greenmeadow, at around 6.55pm and left the scene shortly before 7.10pm.

A South Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: "Approximately 30 youths attacked firefighters from Cwmbran by throwing stones at them at a deliberately lit refuse fire in Greenmeadow.

"No firefighter was injured and Gwent Police are investigating the incident."

Anyone with information can call police on 101.