A firefighter suffered a leg injury after being attacked by thugs in north Belfast.

The Fire Service say crews were attending a call in Ballysillan Playing Fields shortly after 8 pm last night, Sunday, October 4, when a group of youths targeted them.

The mob hurled bricks and stones at the crew, leaving one firefighter with an injury to his leg.

The latest attack has been condemned by Assistant Chief Fire Officer Walmsley who tweeted: “Another attack on our crews tonight in North Belfast, with one firefighter receiving a leg injury after being hit by a brick.”

Group Commander Chris Fee said: “A large group of youths were in the area and it was all good natured and the crew were dealing with the fire.

“But a very small number of these youths started throwing stones and bricks.

“They injured one firefighter who was taken to the Mater Hospital.

“He was bruised on his lower leg and foot but he returned to duty later that night.”

It is the second attack on fire crews in north Belfast over the past month.

On September 11. crews were attacked on the New Lodge Road.

Two men in their early 20s hurled masonry at firemen before being attacked with an iron bar.