The family of Alison Hume, who died following a failed rescue from a disused mine shaft, have criticised a top fire officer for speaking out about the tragedy while the prosecution of individual firefighters has yet to be ruled out.

Brian Sweeney, chief fire officer of Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, said that while the 2008 rescue was not the brigade's "finest hour", firefighters should be able to work without fear of ending up in court.

However, the parents of Ms Hume, a mother-of-two, said Mr Sweeney should make no comment on the case while his officers' conduct on the night was still being reviewed by the Crown Office.

Hugh Cowan, the victim's stepfather, said: "Alison's death is still under investigation by the Crown Office.

"Until a decision is taken over prosecuting his brigade or his officers, Mr Sweeney should be making no comment.

"The family find it upsetting to read of his remarks. His statements are also inaccurate."

Mr Sweeney spoke about the Hume case at the Kilbirnie Street lecture at Glasgow University.

A sheriff ruled last November that the 44-year-old solicitor from Galston, East Ayrshire, could have survived if Mr Sweeney's officers had acted quicker to rescue her from a 50ft pit.

He said: "For so many of our firefighters today, the fear of losing your life has long since been overtaken by the fear of prosecution for doing our job.

"Many of my officers are fearful that if they place firefighters in direct danger, they are going to end up in handcuffs."