'I won't let the attack stop me from doing my job' - Kenilworth firefighter describes the shocking moment idiots threw paint at her while she was on duty in Leamington

Police are appealing for help to catch the people who threw paint over on-call firefighter Alison Insley as she was cycling back from a job
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An on-call firefighter from Kenilworth has described the shocking moment paint was thrown at her while she was on duty in Leamington.

But although the incident shook her up, she was back on her bike the next day to help her community.

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As we reported on Wednesday night, Alison Insley was on her bike in her firefighter uniform, returning from her second call of the evening to assist a vulnerable resident through the Hospital to Home scheme, when a car pulled up alongside her and threw paint at her at around 8.45pm on Wednesday November 11 in Kenilworth Road, as she was heading out of Leamington to Kenilworth.

Alison Insley says the attack won't stop her from doing her job as an on-call firefighter.Alison Insley says the attack won't stop her from doing her job as an on-call firefighter.
Alison Insley says the attack won't stop her from doing her job as an on-call firefighter.

Talking to the Courier and Weekly News, Alison - who works for the library service for Warwickshire County Council during the day and as an on-call firefighter at night - said she was shaken and upset after the attack, but she added: "I was back on my bike the next day for work. I don't see why this should change what I do."

Reflecting back on the incident, she said: "It was a wet and windy night and I was heading back to Kenilworth. I actually enjoy my bike ride after a shift as it gives me a chance to clear my head.

"Then suddenly it all happened so quickly. A car went passed me and then I remember hearing laughter and feeling something hit my arm. I thought it was debris from a tree or something like that, as that happens to cyclists.

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"Then I thought 'why has the car got its window open when it is raining? Then I looked at my arm and saw paint on it.

Alison Insley on her bike.Alison Insley on her bike.
Alison Insley on her bike.

"I was so annoyed and my first thought was that I could catch them. So I cycled off to see if I could catch them up but there was nothing I could do.

"I was calm and in control but when I got home I burst into tears.

"I spoke to the officer in charge and he took me off my shift for the rest of the night. I wanted to carry on but it was the right decision as I was shaken and still had paint on my uniform.

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"I didn't sleep very well for a few nights afterwards but I am much better now."

Paint was thrown at on-call firefighter Alison Insley while she was cycling.Paint was thrown at on-call firefighter Alison Insley while she was cycling.
Paint was thrown at on-call firefighter Alison Insley while she was cycling.

Alison also praised the support she has received from Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service.

"The following night after the incident the Chief Fire Officer himself (Kieran Amos) called me to see how I was," she added

"That was a fantastic thing for him to do and just shows how supportive he is. The fire service have given me amazing support throughout."

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Talking about the people who threw the paint, Alison said: "I genuinely do not know why they did it to me or if I was targeted.

Alison Insley with Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Services Chief Fire Officer, Kieran Amos.Alison Insley with Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Services Chief Fire Officer, Kieran Amos.
Alison Insley with Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Services Chief Fire Officer, Kieran Amos.

"It takes a very strange mentality to do something like that and we do not understand it because we are all decent human beings.

"They obviously thought it was funny.

"They have gone out intentionally with some paint and I might not have been the only victim that night.

"Someone out there must know something. The paint came out of the passenger side and must have spilt on the car or the people.

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There could be a parent who saw their kid come home with paint on them.

"I don't want this to happen to someone else."

Alison Insley with the Hospital to Home vehicle.Alison Insley with the Hospital to Home vehicle.
Alison Insley with the Hospital to Home vehicle.

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Services Chief Fire Officer, Kieran Amos, said: “Any attack on a firefighter is abhorrent and I am disgusted that anyone would think this is acceptable behaviour.

"Our firefighters are working hard to support the most vulnerable in our communities and attacking them in this way is totally unacceptable.

"What may seem like a joke, meant that we were left with a firefighter who was visibly shaken by the incident, which in turn had implications on our crewing for the rest of the evening.

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“Now more than ever we need to work together as a community and ensure that emergency workers are able to undertake their duty without having to deal with mindless acts such as this one.

"I would urge anyone with any information on the incident to call Warwickshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 401/111120."