'The Fire Brigades Union's announcement that Greater Manchester fire crews suffered 462 attacks in the past year is absolutely intolerable.
'Fire fighters risk their lives every day in their work. To think that they are also under threat by anti social behaviour is astonishing. The Union states ambushing, shootings and stabbings are not uncommon. It is deplorable.
'We must ensure that we continue to give our full support to the Union, and provide greater protection to our fire crews.'