Two striking firefighters run down during protest

TWO striking firefighters were taken to hospital after being run over during protests outside London fire stations.

One man was in intensive care with pelvic injuries and a union leader has rib injuries. Two men have been arrested.

A stand-in firefighter was driving a fire engine back into the brigade's Southwark training centre when it collided with Fire Brigades Union official Ian Leahair, sending him crashing to the ground.

A police officer was also injured as the temporary crews returning the 27 fire engines in use during yesterday's strike were met by hundreds of union protesters at 8.30pm. The driver, who was employed by private contractor AssetCo, was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and released on bail.

Earlier, senior fire brigade manager Chris Young was arrested after a car he was believed to have been driving struck protesting firefighter Tamer Ozdemir outside Croydon fire station. Other firefighters were also hit by the car, which had followed a fire engine back into the station.

Mr Ozdemir, who lives in Kent, was released from hospital last night having been taken to St George's Hospital by ambulance. He was said to be "quite angry".

Gordon Fielden, the union's London regional chairman, said: "I am shocked at the events of today."

Talks were being held this morning to avert a walkout that would include bonfire night in protest against plans to make staff work longer day shifts.