The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) have condemned the “senseless” attack on one of its on-duty firefighters. The firefighter was attacked with a glass bottle while attending an incident at Duncairn Gardens, Belfast.

A NIFRS Spokesperson said: “Unfortunately one of our Firefighters was injured when he and his colleagues came under attack while responding to an incident in Duncairn Gardens, Belfast just before 6.30pm yesterday (24 February).

“One Appliance from Whitla Fire Station had responded to reports of pallets being burned and they were forced to withdraw when they came under attack. One Firefighter received a cut to his face after a glass bottle was thrown at him. Thankfully he did not need to attend hospital and was able to finish his shift. I commend him and all his colleagues involved for their professionalism. NIFRS will make sure crews receive any wellbeing support necessary.

“Senseless attacks like this are incredibly disappointing. This is the third time already this year that Firefighters have been attacked in Belfast. Every time someone attacks our Firefighters, they are making their own community, their own families, less safe.

“We know that the people who do this are a small minority and we appreciate the overwhelming support we receive from the community. We will continue working closely with community groups, statutory agencies and elected representatives to try and prevent attacks like this happening again.”