Bonfire night attacks on firefighters in Phillipstown, New Tredegar, have been condemned by Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney AM Dawn Bowden and Gwent PCC Jeff Cuthbert.
A South Wales Fire and Rescue Service crew from Aberbargoed were attacked by youths when they arrived at a grass fire near Fernhill Terrace, Phillipstown at around 10pm on Saturday November 5.
Upon arrival firefighters were pelted with stones and wood by the group of youths, who were also shouting abuse at the crew, while they attended the deliberately set fire near New Tredegar.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service received 440 calls in the 24 hours between Saturday November 5 and Sunday November 6, with 60 of those received between 5pm and 7pm.
Commenting on the incident, Dawn Bowden AM said: “I am both dismayed that mindless cowards have launched attacks and aimed abuse at firefighters going about their duties in protecting our communities tackling fires.
“The incident in Phillipstown on Saturday night appears to be the latest in a series of attacks on these hard working and dedicated public servants, and it is particularly appalling for this to take place when the firefighters are under even greater pressure on Bonfire night.
“I hope that the police are able to speedily identify the culprits and take appropriate action.”
A fire crew and police officers were also attacked with bottles in Cwmbran, and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert, called the behaviour “unacceptable.”
Mr Cuthbert said: “These attacks are totally unacceptable and this type of criminal behaviour will not be tolerated in Gwent.
“People who work for the emergency services have very demanding roles and I just can’t fathom why anybody would want to physically attack people whose very purpose it is to help keep our communities safe – it just goes beyond reasoning.
“I would urge members of the public who have any information about the perpetrators at any of the incidents to come forward and inform the police.”
Rod Grindlay, Gwent Police Chief Inspector for the Torfaen, Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent areas, added: “The actions of these individuals are deplorable. Police and Fire Service personnel were just doing their job when confronted by this completely unacceptable behaviour. It is fortunate on this occasion that no one was hurt.
“We are making enquiries to identify those responsible and will ensure that appropriate action is taken against them.
“Anyone with information is asked to call 101.”
Fire crews faced continuous callouts across the weekend, which is traditionally the busiest period of the year.
On Saturday November 5 alone, crews responded to trees on fire in Risca, Bargoed, Pontllotyn, and Aberbargoed; uncontrolled bonfires in Penyrheol, Lansbury Park, Phillipstown, Pontllanfraith, and Risca; a bonfire “taller than trees” in Blackwood; and approximately 20 lorry tyres on fire in Cefn Hengoed.