Merseyside Police is seeking information, after two members of Biffa’s street cleansing team were attacked on 11 May in Birkenhead. The attack was reportedly carried out by two youths firing ball-bearing (BB) guns at the crew and their vehicle.

The crew were about to begin their duties on Bentinck Place when the youngsters, believed to be aged between 10 and 13, approached the vehicle and repeatedly fired at them, hitting two of the crew on the head and neck.

Crew driver Geoff Quick shouted at the youths causing them to run off after he was hit twice by the BBs: “It was a very frightening experience and I feel I was lucky to escape injury.”

The crew subsequently drove to a safe location to report the incident. A local member of the public reportedly told Biffa’s supervisor that he too had been shot at earlier in the day.

At Biffa’s request, a police escort accompanied the crew on 14 May as they completed their duties. As of yet, no further attacks have been reported.

Crew ‘could have been blinded’

Biffa’s business manager for the Wirral contract Gary Robinson said: “I thought I had seen just about everything in this job – but this is a shocking first for me and my crews.

“I just don't understand how these youngsters could take pot shots so openly at people on the street. My guys were very lucky as they could have suffered eye injuries or been blinded by this thoughtless attack.

“The safety and wellbeing of our staff is our number one priority. As well as the personal injury implications, incidents like this could affect how and when we provide the services that residents value and deserve.”

He added that collection crews already face significant risks when out on their rounds, such as being verbally and physically threatened or being endangered by impatient motorists driving close to crews and vehicles.

Senseless behaviour ‘will not be tolerated’

Wirral Council Cabinet member for Environment and Sustainability Bernie Mooney added: “This is truly senseless behaviour which cannot and will not be tolerated. Biffa’s employees need to be able to continue doing their vital job on behalf of the whole community in safety.

“The council is working closely with Biffa and local police to an effort to find the people responsible for these actions. I’d urge residents, if they witness any other incidents where BB guns are being used in such an irresponsible way, to report them to the police and help keep streets safe in the future.”

Neighbourhood patrols increased

Birkenhead neighbourhood inspector Georgie Minnery of Merseyside Police commented: “The men were providing a community service in that they were cleaning up the neighbourhood for everyone’s benefit so it is particularly galling that this happened to them.

“Fortunately, they did not suffer a serious injury, but it was alarming nonetheless and completely unacceptable. Officers searched the area after it happened and I have increased neighbourhood patrols at key times.

“We are currently involved in a comprehensive operation with our partner agencies to tackle all forms of anti-social behaviour in Birkenhead and the surrounding areas, and I would urge anyone with information about the people involved to contact the police.”