MISSILES were thrown at firefighters as they tackled a blaze at a disused pavilion last night.

Crews from Whitefield and Bury Fire Stations were called to Hoyles Park, off Thrush Drive, in the latest in series of incidents at the ground involving youths.

One firefighter from Whitefield Fire Station told The Bury Times that as they were setting up they were pelted with missiles.

He said: "We had things thrown at us before they ran away."

In recent weeks, crews from across Greater Manchester have been attacked by youths throwing objects ­— the most serious of which was launching fireworks straight at local firefighters in Radcliffe.

Firefighters were called to the park just after 8pm last night as the pavilion was well alight after youths started a fire by setting rubbish inside alight.

Watch Manager at Bury Fire Station, Rick Taylor said: "We have had a number of incidents at the pavilion and we are talking to the council to have it secured.

"It took us 30 minutes to tackle the fire, which was well alight as we got there and we were on the scene for a couple of hours clearing the smoke and checking for pockets of fire."

Mr Taylor said that young people starting these fires are putting themselves at risk.

"There are holes in the floors of the pavilion and there is only one entrance in and out and if the fire takes hold they could get disorientated," he said.

Residents are urge to report anti-social behaviour. Information on how to do so can be found on Bury Council's website at https://www.bury.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=11362