Fire crews were attacked by a gang of youths with fireworks during a call to an illegal bonfire.

Cops received a total of 483 calls to incidents across the country on Saturday, November 5, an overall decrease from 2021. 

Public Order trained officers assisted local emergency services in a crackdown on criminal activity known as Operation Moonbeam. 

In one incident, police say that firefighters were targeted by a group of 20 youths who had started an illegal bonfire on Langside Street in Clydebank. 

A male was arrested. 

A force spokesperson said: "During a call-out to an illegal bonfire at Langside Street, Clydebank, however, members of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were attacked by twenty youths using fireworks.

"Police Public Order Officers attended and the group dispersed.

"One police vehicle sustained very minor damage and one male was arrested for assault and culpable and reckless conduct."

Meanwhile, two people were arrested in connection with an alleged incident where a flare was thrown into a crowd at Glasgow's OVO Hydro. 

Cops arrested 12 people in total on Saturday and dispersed a further 15, with the majority of incidents occurring in Edinburgh.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam said: “Our initial analysis of the incidents arising on Bonfire Night show that, for the overwhelming majority of the country, people enjoyed the occasion safely and responsibly.

“However, in some areas, particularly Edinburgh, various individuals have shown blatant disregard for the safety of the public and the emergency services and have actively targeted police officers and firefighters during the course of their duties.

“This behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated."

ACC Mairs also issued a warning to those involved in the incidents that officers are working to identify suspects who may have avoided police on the night. 

He added: "I want to make it abundantly clear that considerable follow-up inquiry will be conducted in relation to all of these incidents, utilising all resources at our disposal to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

"Do not think that just because you evaded police on the night, that we won’t be knocking on your door in the near future.

“I would ask anyone who has information relating to the offences observed last night to contact police via 101 so we can investigate appropriately.

“What the events of last night demonstrate to me is the importance of having a robust frontline policing service that can be readily supported by national and specialist colleagues when required.

"Similarly, working in partnership with other emergency colleagues and local authorities is equally important to ensuring we are deploying the correct level of resource to the right areas at the right time.

“All of those who were on duty during Bonfire Night showed exceptional professionalism and dedication to protecting communities from harm during extremely difficult and challenging circumstances. I am grateful for all of their efforts.”