A man has been arrested after a firefighter was assaulted while carrying out a rescue from a flat fire in Sheffield, prompting concern from fire service leadership about attacks on emergency workers. The incident occurred as crews attempted to lead a man to safety from a property on Queen Street on Tuesday night, highlighting the risks firefighters can face even while performing life-saving duties.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said the assault happened at around 20:00 BST as the crew member tried to escort the man from the burning flat. Chief Fire Officer Chris Kirby condemned the attack, saying firefighters put themselves in harm's way to protect others. South Yorkshire Police confirmed a 62-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency services worker.