COWARDLY yobs launched a violent attack on firefighters moments after they battled a blaze.

Brave fire crews were ambushed and pelted with missiles early this morning in the Pollok area of Glasgow.

As firefighters returned to the station, their engine came under a barrage of stones and rocks.

It is feared the blaze was started in a nearby lane to attract firefighters to the area.

Crews were called to Househillmuir Road at around 12.20am today after rubbish had been set on fire.

Minutes later, thugs attacked the vehicle, as it was driven along Peat Road.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue spokesman said: "We received a report of rubbish on fire in a lane at Househillmuir Road shortly after 12.20am on Friday.

"A crew was sent from Pollok Community Fire Station.

"Firefighters used a hosereel jet to extinguish the small fire and left the scene within minutes.

"While returning to its station, the appliance was struck by stones thrown by youths at Peat Road.

"No crew members were injured and no damage was caused to either the vehicle or its equipment.

"The police were notified of the incident."

Police are investigating the incident.

Meanwhile, fire crews tackled a blaze at a derelict block of flats in Glasgow overnight.

Emergency services were called to the site in Wellhouse Crescent, Easterhouse shortly after 8.30pm yesterday.

Firefighters spent hours tackling the flames, which took hold of the empty building.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue spokeswoman said: “Two crews were called to reports of a fire at a derelict building in Wellhouse Crescent, Glasgow, at around 8.40pm.”