7 arrested after Bonfire Night violence in Scotland, police van set ablaze

Aysu Bicer

Seven people were arrested following Bonfire Night violence across parts of Scotland, where a police van was set on fire and emergency service personnel were attacked with fireworks.

A police officer and an ambulance worker sustained minor injuries after being targeted with fireworks while responding to a report of an injured man in Glasgow.

A police van was destroyed by fire on Greenside Street in the city’s Provanmill area. A 16-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the incident.

Police officers and members of the public were also targeted with fireworks in several areas of Edinburgh, while firefighters came under attack in several towns as they responded to emergency calls.

No firefighters were injured, and no serious damage to fire engines was reported.

“Police officers, ambulance staff and firefighters are there to protect communities — not be the target of violence,” Chief Superintendent David Robertson said, adding that thorough investigations would be conducted to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

Scottish officials condemn attacks

Scotland’s Education Secretary Mairi McAllan described disorder and attacks on members of the public and emergency services as “completely unacceptable.”

Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland Breakfast, McAllan said emergency services had been well prepared and that the vast majority of Bonfire Night displays had taken place without incident.

She stressed, however, that any fireworks-related disorder remained unacceptable.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service received more than 1,172 calls related to fireworks and bonfires.

Authorities issued 21 dispersal orders in Edinburgh and 13 in Glasgow. No charges were brought in connection with breaches of Firework Control Zones.

Bonfire Night, marked annually on Nov. 5 with fireworks and bonfires, commemorates the foiled 1605 plot to blow up England’s Parliament.