Firefighters have voted to strike in an increasingly bitter dispute over new contracts.

FIREFIGHTERS have voted for strike action in an increasingly bitter dispute with London Fire Brigade over new contracts.

They are expected to reveal strike dates tomorrow afternoon.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said that 79 per cent of its members had backed the move after a ballot.

The Brigade yesterday withdrew a fire engine from Stratford station in anticipation of today’s strike vote result.

A total of 27 engines were taken out of service from stations and held elsewhere by the Brigade as part of plans to keep the service running in the event of a walk out.

Firefighters launched industrial action last month after the Brigade gave notice of the termination of existing contracts.

The Brigade wants to introduce longer day shifts and shorter nights so that firefighters can carry out more safety work and essential training.