Emergency service members were attacked with fireworks during Bonfire Night violence in Glasgow, with a police van set on fire and one ambulance staff member sustaining a minor injury. Police and paramedics were targeted as they responded to reports of an injured man in the Provanmill area of the city.
Attack on emergency crews in Glasgow
Police were called to Greenside Street at around 7.55pm on November 5 following reports of a man injured on the street. Ambulance crews arrived alongside officers, but shortly after, they were attacked with fireworks.
The incident resulted in a police vehicle being set alight and seriously damaged. Video footage from the scene shows large flames leaping from the burnt-out van, with smoke billowing and debris strewn across the road.
Arrest made under Operation Amberlight
Specially trained officers from Operation Amberlight, a taskforce designed to protect emergency crews, were deployed to the area. One man was arrested in connection with the incident.
A Police Scotland statement said: “Police in Glasgow responded alongside the Scottish Ambulance Service to a report of an injured male in Greenside Street at around 7.55pm on Thursday, 5 November. During this time, both crews were targeted with fireworks, resulting in a police vehicle being set alight and seriously damaged. One of the ambulance staff sustained a minor injury. Operation Amberlight specialist resources were deployed, and one male has been arrested. Inquiries are ongoing, and police maintain a presence in the area.”
Separate incidents in Edinburgh
Elsewhere, in the Colinton area of Edinburgh, bins were torched and fireworks were launched at police and firefighters. The force helicopter was deployed to assist as officers moved in to disperse the group. No injuries were reported during that incident.
A force spokesperson said: “Around 5.30pm on Thursday, November 5 2026, we received a report of a group of youths creating a blockage in the road on Oxgangs Road North, Edinburgh. Officers attended, and fireworks were set off in their direction, but no injuries have been reported. Several small fires in bins and the park were extinguished by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Officers remain in the area, and inquiries are ongoing to trace those involved.”
