Laois County Fire and Rescue Services tackle a blaze at Hepburn Court last Wednesday

TWO men were given an adult caution after an attack on fire fighters, last week.

Fire fighters were called to a fire at a vacant private property at Hepburn Court in Portlaoise at around 2.30am on Wednesday morning last.

When fire fighters arrived the house was ablaze and a tanker and a hydraulic platform were also drafted in.

At around 5.30am, fire fighters came under a “serious rock attacks” which were being lobbed over a neighbouring wall. No injuries or damage to equipment was reported and members of Laois County Fire and Rescue Services were wearing helmets at the time of the incident.

Gardaí had accompanied the fire brigade to the site due to similar previous incidents at the location. They were able to make swift arrests of two individuals, although more are thought to have been involved.

The men aged 19 and 20 were brought to Portlaoise Garda Station where they were given an adult caution and released.

The fire was brought under control but the roof, ceiling and floors were completely destroyed. The fire is the latest in a series of fires and other incidents at Hepburn Court. There is now only one house occupied in the estate that once had 14 houses.