NEW figures just published have revealed that Keighley West was amongst the region's incident hotspots over the latest Bonfire Night period.

A report shows there were nine incidents in the ward on November 4 and 5 alone.

The total was joint highest in Bradford district, along with City ward.

And only two areas in West Yorkshire – Little London and Woodhouse, both Leeds – recorded more, with ten each.

Members of West Yorkshire's fire authority have discussed the data, which lists a total of 260 incidents across the region attended by firefighters over the two days.

As well as bonfire-related callouts, the statistics include non-fire incidents and false alarms.

Leeds topped the table with 88, followed by Bradford district on 82.

In Keighley and other parts of the Bradford district, considerable work has been carried out over the years – in advance of the Bonfire Night period – in a bid to prevent problems.

West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service has carried out school visits, and community leaders have helped spread the message to young people.

Actions this time included the distribution of education packages to schools warning of the danger of fireworks, sessions to engage with young people, and 'intervention days' where youngsters were invited to attend fire stations to speak with crews.

But despite the efforts, there were incidents in the district of firefighters coming under attack from yobs throwing fireworks and other missiles.

Fire authority member, Councillor Mike Pollard, said: "There is a lot of good work going on in some areas, and yet Bradford district still tops the league table of shame for attacks on firefighters.

"I attended one educational event that involved youngsters who I suspect could be a bit ‘lively’ and it went really well. There is great stuff going on, so it is a shame to see that attacks on crews are still happening."

He questioned why the report made no mention of attacks in Leeds, when there was a high-profile incident of disorder in the Burley Park area.

That incident saw a huge police response after reports that people were setting off fireworks and lighting fires in the road.

Cllr Pollard also said it had been reported drones were used by police during the incident, and he asked if they could be deployed to help stop disorder in Bradford district in future years.

West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service area manager, Dave Teggart, said emergency services had received intelligence that some disorder was planned in the Burley Park area, so police – rather than firefighters – attended.

A total of 21 people were arrested following the disturbance.

Referring to the suggestion drones could be deployed in Bradford district, Mr Teggart said: "If you look at the heat map of incidents in Bradford, they were relatively spread around the district."