FIREFIGHTERS were pelted with rocks and full beer cans as they tackled two suspected deliberately started fires,

Crews from Farnworth were called to the Dove Bank Estate in Little Lever involving two rubbish fires in separate incidents.

On both occasions they were verbally abused by local youths and items, including rocks, eggs and full beer cans were thrown at them.

Fortunately none of the firefighters attending the incident were injured.

Police are now investigating and it is hoped the incidents were captured on CCTV.

Bolton at Home, which has properties on the estate, has warned that if the youths are being house by the organisation, it will take action.

The incidents took place on the evening of Tuesday.

Ward councillor Sean Hornby told The Bolton News that anti-social behaviour is becoming a real problem on the estate.

He said: "I have been consistently contacted by residents about the anti-social behaviour, which has been going on for sometime.

"But now fires are being started."

He added: "I have walked around the estate with representatives from Bolton at Home and other housing associations.

"We know need to look at tenancy policies and action needs to be taken against those responsible.

"The behaviour on the estate is upsetting residents and needs to be stamped out.

"That estate has many good residents that do not deserve what they are living through."

"Hopefully the CCTV on the fire engines will help identify those responsible."

Cllr Hornby said the fires this started in Fourth Avenue, Little Lever.

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) published a report stating attacks on firefighters were increasing.

Last year more than 930 firefighters in England were attacked while on duty in the last 12 months – an increase of four per cent.

Since 2015, there have been more than 3,800 reported firefighter attacks across the UK.

NFCC has also called for stronger sentences to be handed down for anyone attacking an emergency service worker.

Among the worst incidents in Greater Manchester, a BB gun was fired at two fire engines and crews as firefighters attempted to extinguish multiple fires in wheelie bins.