FIREFIGHTERS were attacked in Edmonton last night as they battled blazes started by rioters.

As crews arrived to tackle nine serious fires in Edmonton, that have caused damage to shops, vehicles and homes, two fire engines were damaged by rioters.

The London Fire Brigade said that between 8pm and 8am they dealt with 445 calls from members of the public across the capital.

Chairman of the London Fire Authority, Councillor Brian Coleman, said: “Once again London’s firefighters displayed absolute professionalism in the way they dealt with these incidents.

“It is absolutely outrageous though that our fire engines came under attack and had to be taken off the road, making them unavailable for emergencies.

“There is simply no excuse for this abhorrent behaviour which endangers the lives of firefighters and also the people they are trying to protect.”