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The Welsh Ambulance Service Trust is appealing for information after one of its crews was targeted with fireworks while attending a 999 call.

An ambulance was called out to an emergency in Pill, Newport , at around 11pm on Sunday, October 16.

As the two crew members drove towards the patient’s address and left the ambulance, they said a large number of fireworks were aimed at them. Some of the fireworks even came close to hitting them, they said.

Fireworks were also being set off towards them as they were putting the patient into the back of the ambulance and as they drove away to hospital.

'I was concerned for the patient and for our crews'

Paramedic Jason Harvey, who attended the call with Emergency Medical Technician Nick Simons, said he was left shaken by the incident.

He said: “I felt angry and frustrated as we were there to attend a job and you don’t expect to have fireworks thrown at you in the course of your work.

“I’ve been in the army and I’ve been shot at and it was quite close to how that felt.

“I was very concerned for the patient and also for our crews.”

The Trust is now asking anyone who witnessed what happened to pass any information they might have on to Gwent Police.

Tony Crandon, Acting Head of Operations for the Aneurin Bevan Health Board area, said: “We know that most members of the community value the crucial work that our crews carry out and that’s why we’re asking them to come forward if they witnessed what happened.

“Thankfully no-one was injured during this incident, but fireworks can be extremely dangerous and even a small amount of damage to the ambulance could have taken our crew off the road and prevented them from attending to people in need of urgent treatment.

“Our staff should feel safe while they’re out providing lifesaving care and that’s why we’d like to ask anyone who can assist Gwent Police to call 101 quoting log number 553 16/10/16.”

Darron Dupre, UNISON’s ambulance lead in Wales said: “It is completely unforgivable that lifesaving emergency ambulance crews are being targeted by people throwing fireworks, rockets and other potentially deadly missiles in the run up to Bonfire Night.

“UNISON will not hesitate to support staff, the Welsh Ambulance Service and the criminal justice system in bringing to justice anyone caught putting the lives of ambulance crews in danger through such reckless behaviour.”

'The emergency services work long and hard to protect our communities'

Local Policing Commander Glyn Fernquest said: “I appreciate that at this time of year many are celebrating Halloween and Bonfire Night, and part of these celebrations is the use of fireworks.

“However, fireworks are dangerous and have to be used in a responsible and adult manner. This is not a game and your actions will have serious consequences.

“The emergency services work long and hard to protect our communities and we will be taking a zero-tolerance approach to anyone putting their safety in jeopardy.”

He said additional officers will be patrolling the area and anyone found causing anti-social behaviour “will be dealt with robustly.”