FIREFIGHTERS have been attacked by a gang hurling missiles during an emergency call.

The thugs threw bricks at a crew in Dumbarton as they fought a rubbish blaze around 4.40am today.

Crews were called to Hill Street, but as they extinguished the fire they came under attack.

The incident commander was forced to withdraw the crew and called police.

Group Commander Ian Ramage, of Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, said: "It is extremely disappointing that even at 4.40am fire crews are not safe from attacks by mindless thugs.

"As an experienced fire officer with 28 years service and also being a parent myself I find it quite unbelievable that parents would allow their children to be out at this time of the morning and that crews still have to face threats of physical or verbal abuse whilst attempting to protect life and property.

"Strathclyde Fire and Rescue will have no hesitation in prosecuting anyone who carries out any form of attack on our staff."

Meanwhile, firefighters in Lanarkshire tackled a pub blaze this morning.

Fire broke out in the ground floor of Franklyn's Bar in Hamilton Road, Bellshill around 2.45am.

An investigation is being carried out into the cause of the blaze.

Meanwhile two youths are being hunted after a fire caused extensive damage to a warehouse in Hillington industrial estate.

As reported in last night's Evening Times, emergency services were called to the premises, owned by regeneration firm St Modwen, at 9.30pm on Sunday.

Two youths, described as white and between 12 and 15 years of age, were seen in the area.One was wearing a white jacket and white t-shirt with dark jeans and white trainers.

The other wore a dark tracksuit with white stripes and white trainers and had his hair shaved at the sides.