FIREFIGHTERS were attacked by youths who pelted them with stones as they put out deliberately-set fires.

Thames side watch manager Lee Murphy said it was a matter of time before someone got hurt.

He said: “We are just doing our job, we don’t want to be target practice.”

Crews from Thames side have been called to the Dering Way and Shamrock Road areas of Gravesend 17 times since February 21, mostly to rubbish that has been set alight.

On the last two occasions, Mr Murphy said half a dozen school-aged youngsters hid in bushes and lobbed stones at them while they put out the flames.

The 42-year-old said: “It is just a bit of fun for them, a bit of frivolity.

“The youths set the fires down there, so we have to put them out. And that annoys them.

“At the moment, it is only smallish stones but they will get bigger and bigger.”

Kent Fire and Rescue Service said it is working with Kent Police and Gravesham Council to investigate the deliberate fires, identify those responsible and combat the problem.

Mr Murphy said: “Arson is destructive and dangerous. The people responsible for these fires need to be clear that arson is a serious offence and certainly not harmless fun. It can attract a life sentence where someone’s life is put in danger.

“If we are dealing with a rubbish fire in open-ground started deliberately, it has the potential to prevent crews from attending more serious incidents such as car crashes or house fires.”

Anyone with information about the fires should call Crimestoppers, anonymously if necessary, on 0800 555 111.

How you can help

Report flytipping, abandoned cars by calling Clean Kent’s 24-hour reporting line 0845 3450210.

Contact the council to ask about disposing of unwanted furniture.

Only put out rubbish when it is due to be collected.

Keep rubbish or flammable items away from walls.