A top cop has hit out at 'disgusting' violence in Glasgow on bonfire night while firefighters were 'bombarded' by attacks. 

The force says it dealt with 'unprecedented' levels of chaos on Sunday, November 5.

Two groups of youths began fighting and throwing fireworks at each other in the Quarrywood Avenue area of Barmulloch.

Eight cops were injured overall while carrying out operations in both Glasgow and Edinburgh as part of Operation Moonbeam, which was first launched in 2018 to combat similar violence experienced on Bonfire Night the previous year. 

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam. said: “The overwhelming majority of Scotland enjoyed Bonfire Night safely and responsibly, but once again, a minority of individuals have been responsible for an unacceptable and frankly, disgusting level of disorder that left communities alarmed and police officers injured.

“We took learning from last year’s operation and enhanced the level of Public Order resources available to local policing divisions to ensure we could get these assets into locations they were needed quicker, providing a more robust response to criminal incidents.

“The lower levels of disorder experienced in other parts of the country demonstrates that this approach was the correct one.

"Our partnership work ensured that there was a reduction in damage to public property and that, overall, the emergency services and wider communities were better protected."

Meanwhile, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has hit out after their crews experienced nine attacks on bonfire night.

They received more than 892 calls from the public and sent firefighters to approximately 355 bonfires across the country between 3.30pm and midnight.

While no firefighters were injured, one fire appliance had its windscreen smashed in by a brick during a call in West Lothian. 

Assistant Chief Officer (ACO) Andy Watt said: "Attacks on our firefighters are completely unacceptable. 

“Our staff should be able to carry out their role without being attacked. It is disappointing that people have tried to hurt firefighters and have damaged our appliances.

"This type of behaviour not only prevents our crews from bringing any emergency to a safe and swift conclusion, but it can impact on our emergency service colleagues - including the police – when they are supporting us on scene to ensure the safety of our personnel. 

“We thank our emergency service partners Police Scotland for their continued assistance and we will continue to work in partnership with them to identify those responsible.

"This type of behaviour is, of course, carried out by a small minority within society and we once again thank our communities for their continuing support and working together with us to stay safe.”

A small number of arrests were made on Sunday, but investigations have since been launched and dedicated teams are now working on them.

It is anticipated that cops will make more arrests in the next few days.

ACC Tim Mairs continued: “Investigations into the offences that arose throughout Scotland on Sunday evening are continuing and we will make every effort to ensure anyone who was involved is identified and brought to justice.

"If any members of the public believe they have information that can assist our inquiries, then please contact us via 101, or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“Police Scotland officers were subjected to unprecedented levels of violence, and yet they continued to demonstrate professionalism and dedication to keeping communities safe.

"I am both proud of, and grateful to, all of those who were on duty and put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public during this very challenging time.”

ACO Watt added: “Bonfire Night is traditionally one of our busiest nights of the year. 

“We put a huge amount of planning and preparation into this evening with local partners and other emergency services in order to protect communities, which is always our top priority. 

"I would like to pay tribute to the professionalism and resilience of our frontline personnel, our Operations Control staff and our support staff who have shown incredible commitment over this busy period. 

"Their dedication has allowed us to continue to protect communities throughout Scotland on Bonfire Night."