FIREFIGHTERS came under attack last night on their busiest day of the year, Bonfire Night.

Fireworks were hurled at crew members and posted though letterboxes with Greater Manchester Mayor and former Leigh MP Andy Burnham witnessing one of the attacks.

He was in Bolton with one of the crews when fireworks were thrown at them.

Mr Burnham said: “The hostilities I witnessed against our firefighters last night are fundamentally unacceptable.

"These are men and women who are putting their own safety on the line to keep us and our communities safe.

"I call on the police to do everything they can to find those responsible and call on anyone who knows who these mindless individuals are to do the right thing and hand them in.”

There were around 400 people who made 999 emergency fire calls in Greater Manchester which included the attacks on firefighters.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed there were 367 calls made to North West Fire Control from 4pm to 10.30pm and crews attending 222 incidents.

There were more than 50 fire engines with four or five crew members aboard with many of them having objects such as fireworks and bricks hurled at them.

Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester Beverley Hughes added: “Our firefighters did a tremendous job in difficult and demanding circumstances.

"It is completely unbelievable and unacceptable that firefighters should come under attack when trying to keep people safe.

"Our message is clear: we will not tolerate attacks on our firefighters under any circumstances and those responsible should be ashamed.

"We raised this issue in advance and yet some people still found it funny to throw fireworks and missiles at our crews- It is despicable behaviour.

"We would like to thank everyone who acted responsibly and enjoyed bonfire night.

"It is a great tradition in this country but unfortunately spoiled by a few mindless people.”