MINDLESS attacks on Cheshire firefighters have been slammed as ‘outrageous and not acceptable’.

Reckless yobs hurled fireworks at crews and shone lasers in their eyes as they tackled 16 separate incidents in three nights across Winsford.

Firefighters had to have a police escort.

All of the incidents are believed to have been started deliberately.

Fires were started near a care home, a shop and a house.

Northwich Guardian: Fires were set very close to other buildings and could have 'caused death or serious injury' to those people insideFires were set very close to other buildings and could have 'caused death or serious injury' to those people inside (Image: Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service)

Firefighters have issued a warning ahead of Bonfire Night.

Station manager Ryan Swindells said: “Some of these fires were burning very close to other buildings.

“This could have caused the fire to spread to these buildings, or even worse, could have caused deaths or serious injury to those people inside.

“Whilst our firefighters were putting out some of these nuisance fires, they were targeted with physical and verbal abuse.

“Firefighters join the service because they want to protect and look after people in the community.

“To be attacked verbally and physically is just outrageous and not acceptable.

“It’s not called having fun when someone’s safety is compromised.”

Northwich Guardian: Police are now investigating the 16 arson attacks and are doing everything to locate the offendersPolice are now investigating the 16 arson attacks and are doing everything to locate the offenders (Image: Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service)

Police are now investigating the incidents which happened between Saturday, October 28 and Monday, October 31.

Inspector Jason Murray, of Northwich LPU, said: “We are aware of reports of deliberate fires over the weekend and have a number of enquiries underway to establish the full circumstances and find those responsible.

“These incidents could have had devastating consequences on innocent members of the public.

“I want to reassure residents that we have a zero-tolerance approach to this careless crime.

“Anti-social behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated in our town and we are doing everything we can to locate the offenders and bring them to justice.”

Anyone with information should contact Cheshire Police on 101 or visit cheshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/soh/seen-or-heard/ Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.