WE ARE REAL PEOPLE WITH REAL LIVES..PLEASE SHOW RESPECT AND LET US DO OUR JOB PROPERLY

Firefighter's appeal as November 5 looms

- BILLY GADDI

SCOTS firefighters have appealed for calm ahead of Bonfire Night after they were "forced to retreat" as feral youths pelted rocks at them last year.

Crew commander Jonny Milliken was leading a response to a spate of grass fires in Troon, Ayrshire, on November 3 last year when his crew were ambushed by kids attempting to climb the fire appliance and throwing bricks and stones at them.

The on-call firefighter reflected on the night ahead of their busiest time of year and stated that he and his colleagues are "local people trying to do their best for their town" and shouldn't face this type of behaviour.

Jonny said: "The stones were rattling off the side of the fire appliance. We decided to keep all crew inside to ensure their safety.

"After being bombarded with stones, we had to retreat and leave the area.

"The last thing I wanted as a crew commander was for anyone to get injured. We are well aware antisocial behaviour comes from a very small minority but we were all completely shocked.