SHEPPEY firefighters broke their picket line to attend a road accident on the island, it emerged today.

The crew were called to Brielle Way, on the main A249 road from Queenborough Corner to Sheerness Docks, on Tuesday night after two cars had collided. However, they were stood down before they reached the scene.

A spokesperson for Sheppey fire crew said: "We have had people coming up to us on the picket line saying that it is disgusting that we are not going out but we want the public to know that we are willing to break the picket line for life-threatening situations.

"We are not insured when we do that and we are not being paid, so if anything happens to us, that's it."

Some islanders have shown their support for the firefighters by giving them cash donations, hampers of food and even new toys during the two strikes.

The spokesperson added: "The money will go towards the National Strike Fund. As for the lady that brought the toys, well I suppose she thought what with Christmas around the corner and the crew not knowing what will happen from now up until then, and not receiving pay, that they might come in handy."