A FIRE station manager says violence against crews is “on the increase” on Teesside.

Responders have faced bottles and stones when responding to some blazes in recent months.

Attacks were condemned last month when crews faced missiles while attending a rubbish fire in Hemlington last month.  

Station manager David Love said violence against staff was “unfortunately on the increase” at a Stockton Council meeting. 

Past meetings of Cleveland Fire Authority have heard how there were 52 cases of violence in 2020/21 – up 13 per cent on the previous year. 

The most common form of abuse came from objects being thrown at firefighters and fire engines. 

Concerns came as Stockton councillors examined the merits of a “public space protection order” – a clampdown zone designed to give council officials and police more control and powers over a particular problem in a given area. 

Fire setting has been a theme in some PSPOs elsewhere in the country. 

Oldham Council approved an order to fine people starting bonfires, lighting barbecues, or setting off fireworks or sky lanterns on nearby Saddleworth Moor. 

Mr Love showed a presentation to the crime and disorder select committee offering a run down of “hotspots” for fires in Stockton – and a run down of benefits a PSPO could bring for the brigade

He added: “Violence against staff is on the increase and with these in place, it would perhaps drive down anti-social behaviour and prevent and lessen risk to our staff.”

Figures showed there were 216 incidents of violence against staff recorded across Cleveland between April 2016 and 2021.

When it came to areas which have seen “secondary fires” – blazes outside structures and homes – and deliberate vehicle fires, Newtown ranked highly. 

Between April and September, Dundas Street and Primrose Hill topped the chart with seven cases – with the Durham Road bypass clocking five incidents. 

Stockton High Street recorded three fires in that time. 

PSPOs have to be deemed proportionate to be approved – with their rollout designed to respond to a repeated problem.

Chief Inspector Chris Smiles told the committee the main areas of anti-social behaviour had been seen in the town centre, Stockton High Street, and surrounding areas.

Yarm Lane, Hartington Road and Rose Street ranked highly for cases. 

Chief Inspector Smiles added: “There is a caveat – there are many people in this area who do have complex needs and are very vulnerable.

“It’s important that when you’re reviewing PSPOs, you differentiate between those causing anti-social behaviour and crime, and those who do have these vulnerable needs.”

The senior officer said the High Street did have needs and problems which didn’t just affect vulnerable residents in the area, but also affected visitors, those working in the area, and retailers. 

He told the panel a PSPO would be of benefit if it was proportionate as it would provide extra powers to the police and the council. 

The review continues.