A large group of ‘travellers’ intimidated Cambridgeshire fire crews – damaging fire engines and equipment – near the Forty Foot Bank at Ramsey on Saturday. “I witnessed both Ramsey and Chatteris crews attacked by these travellers, damaging both fire engines,” an eye witness told CambsNews.
“The fire crews were by the river, training, when 25 cars showed up and couldn’t get between the fire trucks and river.
“They got out of their cars, attacked the crews and tried to move the fire engines themselves”.
The eyewitness added: “Talking to the crews after, both fire engines were then unavailable, and they waited for the police who failed to arrive.
“I thought this was shocking; while chatting to them, they said they were chasing car fires in Chatteris, where the travellers abandoned their vehicles. Again, they said the police never arrived.”
The eyewitness said a few months ago he was speaking to a local farmer, and the police found a car with one of their phones.
“They said it listed lots of dates for these traveller meet-ups, included this weekend so why weren’t the police ready for them?”
A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue told CambsNews today: “While two of our on-call crews were out training near Forty Foot Bank in Ramsey on Saturday, they were involved in a minor incident with a group of people in a number of vehicles.
“This resulted in a small amount of damage to the fire engines and some of the equipment.
“However, this had no impact on the crew’s availability to respond to any emergency.
“Our crews were not called to any other incident involving the group over the weekend.”
WATCH: Cocky hare courser films himself wreaking havoc in Fenland
Cambridgeshire Police have issued an appeal after reports of widespread carnage caused by the influx of travellers.
WATCH: Angry residents demand answers to Fenland day of terror
“We are appealing for information, dashcam footage or CCTV following a number of incidents of hare coursing yesterday, causing thousands of pounds’ worth of damage to crops as well as putting lives at risk with dangerous driving,” said a police spokesperson.
“Up to 25 vehicles were seen, some in convoy, in various parts of the county, These included Fordham, Ely, Prickwillow, Littleport, Welney, Chatteris, Manea, Wimblington and Doddington
“We understand the impact this has had on the community, and we are investigating.
“Anyone who has information and footage that could assist in identifying those involved is asked to email RCAT@cambs.police.uk”
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
