The incident happened shortly before 11 o’clock as firefighters carried out routine inquiries about an incident in Balmoral Gardens, Douglas.

Initially, the driver and the appliance came under attack from an air gun — with the vehicle hit at least four times.

As further pellets were fired in the crew’s direction, they were forced to use their helmet visors as protection and called for police back-up.

Tayside Fire and Rescue station manager Roy Dunsire told the Tele today, “This was a totally unacceptable and irresponsible act which put the safety of the crew at serious risk.

“Firefighters are facing enough risk with the incidents they have to deal with.

“What these people have to realise is that we are here to protect the community.

“We are providing a public service and attacking fire crews with airguns stops us from doing this.”

Station Manager Dunsire said what may have been seen as a prank to the perpetrators “could have had potentially fatal consequences”.

He also stressed the criminal consequences, pointing out, “The Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act 2005, which came into force recently, makes it a specific offence to assault, obstruct or hinder someone providing an emergency service or assisting an emergency worker. This carries with it a maximum fine of £5000 and nine months in prison.”

A Tayside Police spokesman confirmed the force had attended an incident involving Tayside Fire and Rescue after they reported being fired upon.

He added, “A male and female were detained and our inquiries are ongoing.”

Anyone with any information should contact Tayside Police on 01382 223200 or speak to any officer.