The Manchester Evening News is calling for tougher laws to protect fire fighters from yobs while they try to do their work.

It is backing a Private Member’s Bill as it goes through parliament to make such attacks a criminal offence with a maximum sentence of nine months in prison.

Fire fighters have been subject to ambush and attacks in and around the city, with some attacks being filmed on mobile phones as entertainment.

The campaign Protect Our Heroes was launched as three youngsters began six-month sentences for attacking a fire crew.

Other threats to safety include razor blades and hypodermic needles being fixed under stair banisters, gas cylinders being left in burning cars, shots being fired at fire officers and fire engines, and missiles being thrown at them.

The newspaper wants fire fighters and other 999 workers to have the same protection as police officers, as there is no specific offence to attack fire fighters. Only police currently have special protection.

The Evening News wants protection extended to ambulance officers, prison officers, nurses, midwives, social workers, doctors and coast guards.

The newspaper told its readers: "We are supporting a Private Member’s Bill introduced into parliament in the summer by Labour MP Alan Williams.

"Under the proposed law anyone who assaults, obstructs or hinders a 999 worker in the course of their duty could face nine months in prison and/or a £5,000 fine. This legislation is already in force in Scotland."