The number of attacks on fire crews in the capital has doubled in the past year, figures show today.

Data obtained under the Freedom of Information Act shows there were 18 incidents reported in 2006/07. The Fire Brigades Union has expressed concern about the attacks. But its officials said that even though under reporting could be masking an even higher number of assaults, London still recorded one of the lowest figures for attacks compared to elsewhere in Britain.

FBU regional secretary Joe MacVeigh said: "It is almost beyond belief that fire crews are attacked and abused while fighting fires and trying to save lives. It cannot be part of anyone's job to face abuse, threats or attacks."

He credited youth and community programmes, including Local Intervention Fire Education, for their efforts in teaching young people fire fighting skills and keeping attack levels relatively low.

The programme is an intensive five day course that teaches teenagers fire fighting skills alongside real firefighters. Mr MacVeigh added: "The young people on these courses are made aware that while fire crews and appliances are the direct targets, the victims are those who live in these communities."

Link to:

Opinion, comment, your views

Andrew Gilligan

Fed up with railway fiascos? Join me on the road to freedom

Yasmin Alibhai-Brown

Tame London's 4x4 parking road hogs

Viv Groskop

These maps of offences in your area are a real crime

Charlotte Ross

Why I’m pining for Christmas already

Rachel Johnson

Be warned, I'm not in surly city mode

Rate cut brings limited relief

It is a decision that will result in real savings for many mortgage payers, but it may cause wider problems

Future of BBC D-G in doubt after scandals

There is growing speculation that Mark Thompson's reign as Director General of the BBC may come to an end sooner rather than later

All stories

Don't miss...

• 

  Climate of fear

  Teenagers talk for the first time about shocking new levels of sexual violence in London as a charity chief says post-code gangs are now using multiple rape as a weapon to enforce their will

  ---

• 

  Shaggy chic

  Fend off the cold in true fashionista style and become an abominable show-woman

  ---

• 

  The Miller’s tale revisited

  For a decade the director has complained that no one wanted him in London. Now Jonathan Miller is back at ENO — with a radical new production of La Bohème inspired by Brassaï

  ---

• 

  Influentials 2009

  From finance to fashion and politics to property, the past 12 months have seen dramatic changes in who wields influence in the capital. So who are the up-and-coming power players in London this year?

  ---

Pick of the blogs

Paul Waugh - Politics

Lib Dems swing both ways on council tax arrears

Richard Godwin - A London Life

A sound thrashing has cleared my head