Fire chiefs refuse to rule out possibility sex predators are working in the service

FIRE chiefs have refused to rule out the possibility that sex predators are working in the service.

It came as a report today exposed a damning culture of bullying, harassment and discrimination at stations.

And inspectors warned the “deeply troubling” review of the culture among firefighters is just the tip of the iceberg.

Staff told of racist, sexist and homophobic comments and behaviours which had gone unchallenged or been dismissed as “banter”.

On sex predators in the service, His Majesty’s Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services Roy Wilsher said: “I’m not confident enough to exclude the possibility.

“So the possibility is there, yes.”

In one recorded incident, two male firefighters joked with a female colleague that they would rape her.

His report covered all 44 fire and rescue services in England.

It made 35 recommendations including appropriate background checks on all firefighters and staff and new misconduct standards, including a national barred list.

Mr Wilsher said: “Our findings shine a light on deeply troubling bullying and harassment.

“Trust and respect is too often replaced with derogatory, bullying behaviour.”