'It is not acceptable' - Shropshire firefighters attacked dozens of times on duty
Firefighters in Shropshire have been attacked dozens of times while on duty in the past four years, new figures show.
There were 37 verbal or physical attacks by members of the public on firefighters from 2013 to 2016, according to figures recorded by Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.
There were nine reports recorded by the fire and rescue authority last year, nine in 2015, 14 in 2014 and five in 2013.
From the reports, 27 related to firefighters being verbally abused, while objects were thrown at firefighters on another three occasions.
In three instances, firefighters complained of harassment and other acts of aggression were used on four occasions.
Malcolm Stevenson, spokesman for Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, said it was "not acceptable" and is a sad state of affairs when these attacks happen.
He said: "The vast majority of cases are verbal abuse. There are a few instances where firefighters have had things thrown at them.
"Usually this is when they have been arriving at an incident and sometimes when they are leaving an incident.
"We are there to help people and it is really very sad indeed that fire crews who turn up for all kinds of things to help people, whether it is at fires or road traffic accidents, are getting verbal abuse or even objects hurled at them.
"It is not acceptable.
"Unfortunately it is widespread across the country.
"We probably have fewer incidents than most.
"The figures are usually quite consistent year on year, but there was a blip in 2014 going in the wrong direction.
"I don't know why that happened. These kind of things don't seem to have logic to them."
He said if firefighters are attacked they can report the incidents to fire control and they will be recorded.
Mr Stevenson added: "It's important we keep a watchful eye on this kind of thing."
Anyone who obstructs or attacks emergency workers could face a fine of thousands of pounds or a jail term if they are hauled before the courts.
The figures were revealed following a freedom of information request to Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Any information regarding offenders who may have attacked a member of the emergency services can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Nationally, in recent years there have been reports of thugs throwing bricks, bottles and stones at firefighters.
In some cases they have even had fireworks aimed at them.