A Cook Islands MP says he's shocked by the treatment of firefighters by drunken bystanders last week, and by the theft of a vital piece of fire fighting equipment.
William Smiley Heather said volunteer firefighters from Puaikura Fire Station were battling a house fire when they were verbally abused by the bystanders, who also interfered with their hoses.
Mr Heather said also while the firefighters were extinguishing the blaze, the station's air compressor was stolen.
The MP has appealed for information that can help police locate culprits in both instances.
Cook Island fire authorities attend the site of a fire in Arorangi in 2018. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Flo Syme Buchanan
