Bonfire Night latest: Firefighters abused in Edinburgh park

HERO firefighters were subjected to vile abuse by yobs as they tried to put out a park blaze last night.

The charred remains of the fire today

Worried residents told how officers were called at around 7.45pm after youths set a fire on a football pitch in Colinton Mains Park.

Firefighters arrived only to get a volley of abuse and objects hurled at them, reported a witness.

One resident said: “I have never witnessed such disreguard to firefighters and completely shocked by the abuse they endured.

“One lad said to a firefighter “you must love your job, watching babies burn on fire must be barry” while throwing things at them.

“My whole street was threatened, fireworks thrown towards our cars and houses.”

Labour councillor for Colinton/Fairmilehead, Scott Arthur, condemned the behaviour.

“I’m really disappointed to hear there was anti-social behaviour in Colinton Mains Park yesterday evening,” he said.

“The damage to the park is unacceptable, but the disrespect shown to the firefighters is sickening. Speaking as someone whose brother was killed in a fire when he was 12, I hope those involved never have to call on the help of the fire service.

“I know everyone in the Oxgangs and Firrhill area is grateful for the work the emergency services did last night keeping us all safe.”

A spokesman for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed crews were scambled at 7.45pm.

“Operations Control mobilised two fire engines to the scene at Firrhill Park, where crews extinguished the fire,” he added.

“Crews left the scene at 8.12pm.”

Join our Facebook group Our Edinburgh to share images and news from and around the Capital