Asian gang ambush fire officers with rockets

Firefighter were ambushed by a gang of 40 Asian youths who pelted them with fireworks, bricks and iron bars as they tackled a bonfire in east London.

At the same time, burglars stole cash and mobile phones from the crew's fire station. Detectives are linking the two incidents.

All six members of Shadwell's Green Watch were injured in the attack which senior officers today branded "abhorrent". They were responding to a 999 call about an unattended bonfire near flats in Stepney Way, Stepney.

A fire service spokesman said: " Fireworks were aimed at the crew. The gang began brandishing iron bars and the crew's leading firefighter was struck across his arm. As the men retreated, they were pelted with bricks."

One firefighter was taken to hospital with bruising to his head. The others declined hospital treatment.