Merseyside Fire and Rescue is calling on people to think twice "before putting their community at risk" over the bonfire period.

The fifth of November is the busiest time of the year for fire crews - and they are stressing attacks on crews by yobs will not be tolerated warning police will take such crimes seriously.

Each year Merseyside fire fighters are called out to a large amount of incidents such as wheelie bin fires, bonfires and other deliberately-set blazes.

In 2017, they attended 392 "secondary fires."

This uses up valuable and limited resources and takes crews away from responding to more serious and possibly life threatening incidents.

Michael Buratti, arson team manager, said: “Deliberately started fires on the run up to bonfire night are a huge drain on already overstretched fire service resources.

"What may seem like a bit of harmless fun to some can have life changing consequences and puts entire communities at risk.

“If firefighters are responding to a wheelie bin fire or illegal bonfire, it prevents them from responding to another incident – they cannot be in two places at once."

He stressed: "Attending such fires may delay our response to a life-threatening incident.

“We would urge people on the run-up to bonfire night to report any build-up of combustible materials that could be used for deliberate fires"

As well as dealing with secondary fires, crews also see an increase in the number of attacks as they respond to incidents, particularly over Halloween and bonfire night.

Already this year, fire crews have been subjected to physical and verbal attacks while carrying out their duty.

The service warns this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated. All fire engines carry CCTV cameras and footage will be passed on to Merseyside Police.

Mr Buratti added: “Previous years have seen objects, including bricks and fireworks, thrown at fire engines as crews respond to bonfire-related incidents.

"Such actions can result in that engine being taken out of service for the rest of the night, meaning it cannot respond to emergencies.

"Please think twice and remember, actions have consequences.”

The service is urging parents to have discussions with their children before they go out over the Halloween and bonfire period about what is acceptable behaviour.

Colin Matthews, chairman of Crimestoppers Merseyside, said: “Everyone wants to enjoy the bonfire season is safety.

"Sadly a minority spoil it for others by starting fires without any thought to the consequences, or by deliberately attacking fire crews.

“If you have any information about people involved in this type of anti-social behaviour which every year causes serious injury or damage, then tell us what you know - anonymously and in confidence.

“Speak up, stay safe and make your community safer by contacting Crimestoppers."

Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or report incidents online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Call Merseyside & Rescue Service on 0800 731 5958.