Fire crews in parts of Medway are having to answer 999 call outs in pairs to protect them from attacks by yobs.

The situation is causing such concern that a fire engine fitted with CCTV will be used in future to catch culprits. The vehicle will be based at Medway Fire Station, Chatham. The trial is the first in Kent.

The move is in response to Medway station crews being attacked and abused while dealing with incidents in the White Road, Wayfield and Weedswood areas of Chatham.

A spokesman for the Kent Fire and Rescue Centre said:“Many fire services across the country have already placed CCTV in their fire appliances.

“KFRS has a duty of care towards its staff and is committed to providing them with a safe working environment.”