Bonfire Night violence in Scotland: police car torched, emergency crews hit with fireworks, seven arrested

Police and paramedics were attacked with fireworks, and a police car was set on fire, during a night of disorder across Scotland on Bonfire Night, Thursday, 5 November.

The worst incident was in Greenside Street, Glasgow. Officers and an ambulance crew had gone to help an injured man at about 7.55pm when they were targeted with fireworks. A police vehicle was then set alight and badly damaged. One police officer and one ambulance worker suffered minor injuries, and a 16-year-old boy was among those arrested.

Trouble was reported in many other areas. In Edinburgh, a barricade was set on fire on Oxgangs Road North and fireworks were aimed at vehicles in Gracemount and Gilmerton. Officers were also targeted in Clydebank, and emergency crews came under attack in Larkhall, Cumnock, Blackridge, and the Castlemilk and Knightswood areas of Glasgow.

Seven people were arrested across the country. Police Scotland received more than 1,000 calls about fireworks between Halloween and Bonfire Night, while the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service took over 800 calls on Thursday evening alone.

Chief Superintendent David Robertson, who led the police operation, called the attacks on emergency workers unacceptable and said they had to stop. He said investigations would continue to identify everyone involved.