Firefighters were attacked after being lured into an ambush by hoaxers.

Crews were pelted with missiles and fireworks after responding to malicious calls in Leigh and Salford.

In one of the incidents, yobs tried to block their escape by lining wheelie bins across a street.

So far this year, there have been 22 attacks on crews in Greater Manchester compared to 16 in 2016.

Crews were attacked just before 6pm on Wednesday after being surrounded by 10 to 15 youths in Ordsall Park, Salford, three of whom became aggressive.

Missiles and fireworks were thrown at firefighters, but none were injured.

Crew members were able to make it safely back to their engine.

Another, unrelated attack took place at around 10pm.

Firefighters from Leigh responded to an emergency call in Westbourne Avenue.

On arrival they discovered there was no emergency and the crew was met by another group of youths, who used fireworks to attack the engine.

Firefighters then found the road had been blocked with wheelie bins.

Area Manager Paul Etches, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service’s head of prevention, said: “During 2017 we have seen a substantial increase in attacks on firefighters whilst attending emergency incidents and protecting the public of Greater Manchester.

“The use of fireworks in these recent events is an extremely dangerous escalation and we will be working with partners to examine where these are currently being purchased.

“Premises are generally only licensed to sell fireworks between October 15 and November 10 and anyone selling outside this period are liable to prosecution.

“The attacks have a wider effect on the community, occupying the time of valuable resources that may be needed elsewhere and potentially putting lives at risk.”

Beverley Hughes, deputy mayor for policing and crime, said: “These attacks not only affect the firefighters mentally and physically but they can also have a really negative impact on the community.

“This type of hostile action takes up valuable time and resources that might be needed at serious incidents elsewhere – it is totally unacceptable and we will pursue anyone making those malicious and dangerous calls.”