Bonfire Night arrest made after emergency services targeted with fireworks in Scotland - The Independent

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Police Scotland said they made one arrest after officers and ambulance crews were targeted with fireworks and a police vehicle set alight as they tried to reach an injured man in Glasgow on Thursday evening.

Firefighters were also forced to withdraw as they faced anti-social behaviour in the south of France when bins were set on fire in the area.

The incidents came amid a large police operation to deal with disorder on Bonfire Night, known as Operation Amberlight.

Police Scotland stated that officers and ambulance crews were called to reports of an injured male on Greenside Street in Glasgow shortly before 8pm.

A spokesperson for the force said: “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.”

Meanwhile, emergency services were also targeted with pyrotechnics in Edinburgh on Thursday evening after disorder broke out around Oxgangs and Colinton Mains, where bins were overturned and set alight in the road.

A substantial police presence responded to the area following reports of groups of young people causing disruption with fireworks.

Locals stated that youths launched fireworks directly at emergency workers as they attempted to tackle the unrest.

One person, who did not want to be named, told the Press Association: "They’re setting fire in the park and shooting fireworks at the police and firemen."

A Police Scotland 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."

A fire service spokesperson said: "We were alerted to reports of bins on fire in the Oxgangs area of Edinburgh.

"Operations control mobilised two fire appliances and crews were met with anti-social behaviour. Crews withdrew from the area and Police Scotland were called to assist. There were no reported casualties or injuries."

The incidents took place amid a major Bonfire Night policing operation. Police Scotland requested assistance from forces in England and Wales, marking its largest deployment of officers since the visit of US President Donald Trump last year.

With November 5 coinciding with a major European football fixture and a potential protest in Glasgow, personnel from Avon and Somerset, Hampshire, Hertfordshire and South Wales were expected to be deployed across Scottish streets.

Chief Superintendent David Robertson of Police Scotland said the force was fully prepared due to the extra resources.

Speaking to the Press Association on Thursday afternoon, Mr Robertson said he was "confident that we’re ready for whatever may happen this evening".

"Tonight is about capitalising on the additional capability and capacity we’ve got deployed tonight," he told officers during a briefing at Fettes police station before they deployed. We need to respond effectively and we need to make our presence felt when it’s required."

He urged officers to remain proactive, decisive and disciplined throughout the shift.

"If it’s necessary to make arrests, then please do so," he said.

Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell also addressed personnel at the Edinburgh station prior to deployment, stating she was "absolutely confident" in officers ahead of the evening.