A 14-year-old has been arrested after police officers and firefighters were targeted with fireworks as they responded to a blaze in Liverpool, leaving one officer injured.
Merseyside Police said emergency services were called to Knowsley Heights on Primrose Drive on Wednesday following reports of a mob of youngsters launching fireworks into a block of flats.
When firefighters arrived at the scene, crews discovered a blaze on the balcony of a third-floor flat.
Five fire engines raced to the scene, before firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze with a main jet and hose reel jet.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue crews discovered a blaze on the balcony of a third-floor flat
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Fireworks were then fired towards emergency service workers as they attended the scene.
A female police officer suffered a minor leg injury during the incident, alongside a teenager who was left hurt after being hit by a firework and subsequently treated by the North West Ambulance service.
Merseyside Police confirmed that a 14-year-old boy has now been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
Chief Inspector Kevin Chatterton said: “We will not tolerate this type of disgraceful behaviour, particularly when it involves emergency services staff being targeted in such a way.
FIREWORKS CHAOS - READ MORE:
Merseyside Police confirmed that a 14-year-old boy has now been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life
| PA"It is only by sheer good fortune that nobody was seriously injured.
“Officers were quickly at the scene and spoke to a number of youths and parents to advise them about their behaviour.
“One teenage male was arrested and will be questioned.”
Leader of Knowsley Council, Cllr Graham Morgan, said he was "shocked and saddened" by the incident.
Leader of Knowsley Council, Cllr Graham Morgan, said he was 'shocked and saddened' by the incident
|Cllr Morgan added: “Thankfully the fire was dealt with quickly and all residents are safe and well. I’d like to thank all of the emergency services for their professionalism under very difficult circumstances."
A spokesman for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said: “Crews were alerted at 6.57pm and on scene at 7.04pm. Five fire engines and an aerial appliance attended.
"Crews arrived to find a balcony fire on the third floor of a high-rise building.
"Firefighters quickly gained entry to the property and extinguished the fire.
"While in attendance, fire crews were targeted and attacked with fireworks.
"Thankfully, none of the firefighters were injured.
"However, we are urging people to respect emergency service workers this evening.
"Fire crews are out protecting our communities and do not deserve to be attacked."
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