YOUNG people threw missiles at firefighters and their fire engine as they were putting out a fire in Garndiffaith on Sunday night.

One threw a can as a firefighter was on the phone to headquarters requesting police attend.

Two crews, from Abersychan and New Inn, came to the scene to put out an illegal bonfire in Garndiffaith. They came under attack at around 8.20pm. Police are now investigating the incident with the help of CCTV caught using the fire engine's cameras.

None of the fire crew was injured and the fire engine was not damaged.

Gwyneria Clark, councillor for Abersychan, said: "It's absolutely horrendous. I just can't believe people can be so stupid. You don't expect them to throw missiles at anybody, least of all the people that are there to support them and help them. I'm concerned that this sort of thing is happening, especially in a community like ours."

Fire Bridage's Union (FBU) general secretary Matt Wrack said: "It is beyond belief that firefighters are attacked while fighting fires and trying to save lives.

"In some areas, attacking fire crews has become a recreational activity with very serious consequences.

"It cannot be part of anyone's job to face abuse, threats or attacks."

A 2008 report by the FBU looking at attacks on firefighters suggested that around 40 attacks on fire crews occurred across the country every week.

Group Manager, Garry Davies, head of the fire crime unit, said: "South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Gwent Police take a zero tolerance approach to this anti-social behaviour. Appliances are fitted with CCTV and perpetrators who carry out this mindless activity will be prosecuted."

If anyone has information regarding this incident, contact the South Wales Fire Crime Unit on the Freephone number 0800 731 7287.

UPDATE: 10.46am Tues 02/07/13

The location of the incident has been changed after we received additional information from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service this morning.