A police car burst into flames on Friars Bridge in Inverness on Saturday morning, June 27, 2026, at approximately 8:35am. Police Scotland immediately locked down the bridge, which forms part of the A82, the main southwestern route out of the city and a key link to the A9 for travelers heading north across the Kessock Bridge.
No Injuries Reported
Emergency services responded swiftly, and no injuries were reported as a result of the blaze. However, road users have been advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes while the vehicle is recovered.
An image captured at the scene shows flames licking the bottom and side of the police vehicle as the fire initially developed. Further footage reveals the car completely engulfed in flames, with a massive cloud of smoke billowing into the sky.
Witness Account
A bystander who was packing shopping into his car at a nearby Aldi supermarket described the incident to the Daily Record. He said: "I was packing shopping into my car in Aldi and spotted the police car with its hazards on. The officer was looking at the car and then went to the other side of the carriageway. Aldi staff ran out with fire extinguishers but by then it was too late and the car erupted in flames. The Aldi staff stopped other cars coming onto the bridge until other officers arrived."
Police Statement
A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed: "Friars Bridge in Inverness is closed due to a police car on fire, which happened around 8.35am on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Emergency services are in attendance and there are no reported injuries. Please avoid the area and use an alternative route."
Two police vehicles are parked at either end of the bridge, with uniformed officers watching from a safe distance. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
