Attack on fire-fighters’ equipment must not be tolerated – Smith

5.23.26pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 22nd Jul 2010

Commenting on reports that a group of youths slashed fire-fighters’ hoses and car tyres as emergency services tackled a blaze at Old Craigroyston High School, local Liberal Democrat MSP Margaret Smith said:

“This is absolutely outrageous.

“Just as it is unacceptable to attack emergency service personnel who are risking their lives to save others, deliberately vandalising life-saving equipment is not on.

“Boredom is not an excuse for this type of behaviour. It is right that an investigation is launched, but this should include a wider examination of why a minority of young people think it’s ok to attack emergency service personnel or their equipment. We need to drum it home that this reckless behaviour can cost lives and will not be tolerated.

“The Scottish Parliament has passed laws making it an aggravated offence to attack emergency personnel. We need to work out why the message isn’t getting through to this minority of young people, despite widespread revulsion about this kind of behaviour.”