FIREFIGHTERS appealed yesterday for help to stop callous East Sussex Fire Service from dragging the families of two fallen comrades through the courts eight years after their deaths.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) launched an appeal for public support for its justice campaign after bosses refused to honour a High Court order to pay compensation to the families of Brian Wembridge and Geoff Wicker, who were killed tackling a fireworks factory blaze at Marlie Farm in 2006.

Judges found East Sussex Fire Service guilty of safety breaches that led to their deaths and left colleagues seriously injured.

But one year on from the ruling their families still face fresh torment in an appeal case.

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: “The way East Sussex Fire and Rescue has behaved is shameful but it still does not seem to get the message.

“I implore the public to get behind the campaign in order to get justice for Geoff and Brian.”

Sign the petition at justiceforfirefighters.co.uk