The officer suffered a facial wound when his crew came under attack, in Alliance Avenue, on Saturday night.

The firefighters were called to the area after a bin went on fire.

The officers were attacked by a group of teenagers, one of whom fired a pellet gun.

The injured officer was not seriously hurt.

A spokesman for the Fire and Rescue Service said the potential for serious injury was "apparent".

He added: "It is sad that firefighters who experience so much danger in their normal duties are subjected to such a serious attack.

"However, I am reassured by help and assistance given to us by elected representatives from the area, to ensure such attacks do not occur in the future."

Sinn Fein councillor Margaret McClenaghan also condemned the attack.

She said: "Attacks on the Fire and Rescue Service are completely and utterly wrong.

"This isn't a matter of fun. It's a matter of life and death."