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Appeal for public's help after fireworks are thrown at an ambulance in Bristol

The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is appealing for the public’s help to find the individuals responsible for throwing fireworks at an ambulance in Bristol.

The ambulance, with three crew members on board, was stationary in Birchwood Road, in the Broomhill area of the city, at around 17.40hrs on Sunday 6 November, when the crew heard a firework explode nearby.

Shortly afterwards, another firework was aimed at the ambulance. It hit the driver’s side window and bounced off the bonnet.

Two cars then pulled up alongside the ambulance and approximately 20 people in hoods and balaclavas gathered on the other side of the road and behind the ambulance.

The ambulance left the area as soon as the cars moved away, and the crew called 999 to report the incident.

Mike Jones, SWASFT’s Violence Prevention & Reduction Lead, says: “It’s appalling that a small group of individuals would risk the lives of three colleagues who have dedicated their own lives to saving other people.

“We are incredibly lucky that one of the fireworks did not cause the oxygen tanks in the ambulance to explode, which would have been catastrophic.

“I would encourage anyone who has any knowledge of this incident or knows who was responsible to contact the police or Crimestoppers.

“Unacceptable behaviour towards our people will not be tolerated and we will take whatever action is necessary to protect them from harm.”

If you have any information about this incident, please contact Avon and Somerset Police by dialling 101 and quoting log 763 of Sunday 6 November. Or, if you wish to remain anonymous, then call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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South Western Ambulance Charity

The South Western Ambulance Charity, founded in 1995, uses gifted monies to benefit those in our communities who use our service and to improve the welfare of the staff and volunteers of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. 

Our charitable support covers Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire including Bristol and Swindon.

If you would like to show your appreciation for the care that you or your loved one has received from us in the form of a charitable donation please visit our online giving website: Donate to South Western Ambulance Charity | Give as you Live Donate