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

Police Scotland confirmed a total of seven arrests were made across the country during the course of the evening.

The force said officers and ambulance crews were called to reports of an injured male on Greenside Street in the Hogganfield area of Glasgow shortly before 8pm.

A Police Scotland spokesman 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.”

In Oxgangs and around Colinton Mains in Edinburgh, bins were knocked over and set on fire in the road on Thursday evening.

There was a large police presence in the area in the south of the city, as trouble involving groups of young people with fireworks was reported.

Locals stated that groups of youths were launching fireworks at emergency services as they attempted to deal with the disorder.

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

Holly Munro, a mum who lives near Colinton Mains Park in Edinburgh, saw a “large amount of fireworks” launched near St John’s Church.

She told EdinburghLive: “I had to come away as I had my two children with me, so I am not sure if anyone has been hurt; it would be a miracle if they weren’t hurt.”

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.”

As part of its Bonfire Night policing operation, Police Scotland called on forces in England and Wales for assistance, mounting its biggest deployment of officers since US President Donald Trump visited last year.

The November 5 celebrations coincided with Celtic’s Europa League clash with Turkish side Beşiktaş at Celtic Park, as well as a possible protest in the city centre.

Officers from as far afield as Avon and Somerset, Hampshire, Hertfordshire and South Wales were expected to be on the streets of Scotland.

Police Vehicle Set Alight and Ambulance Workers Targeted With Fireworks in Bonfire Night Chaos

Bonfire Night celebrations across Scotland descended into shocking scenes of violence after emergency service workers were attacked with fireworks, a police vehicle was deliberately set alight and several people were arrested.

The disorder, which unfolded on Thursday, November 5, 2026, prompted one of the largest policing operations in Scotland in recent years.

Police officers, ambulance workers and firefighters found themselves under attack while attempting to protect local communities and respond to emergencies.

In Glasgow, a police vehicle was set alight and seriously damaged after officers and ambulance crews were targeted with fireworks while attending an injured man.

One police officer and an ambulance worker suffered minor injuries during the incident.

The violence also spread to Edinburgh, Clydebank, Dundee and several other locations, where emergency workers faced attacks involving fireworks, rocks and glass bottles.

Police Scotland confirmed that seven people had been arrested following the disturbances, including a 16-year-old boy.

The shocking scenes have reignited concerns about antisocial behaviour, the misuse of fireworks and the growing dangers faced by Britain’s emergency service workers.

Police Vehicle Set Ablaze During Attack in Glasgow

One of the most serious incidents occurred on Greenside Street in Glasgow shortly before 8pm on Thursday evening.

Police officers and Scottish Ambulance Service personnel had been called to the area following reports of an injured man.

However, while emergency crews were attempting to carry out their duties, they were targeted with fireworks.

The situation quickly escalated, resulting in a police vehicle being set alight and seriously damaged.

One police officer and an ambulance worker sustained minor injuries.

Specialist officers involved in Operation Amberlight were deployed to the scene, and a 16-year-old male was arrested.

Police maintained a presence in the area while investigations continued.

The incident has prompted anger among those who believe emergency workers should be able to carry out their duties without being subjected to violence.

Police officers and paramedics are routinely sent into dangerous situations to help people in need.

Attacking them with fireworks not only places their lives at risk but can also prevent other members of the public from receiving urgent assistance.

Firefighters Forced to Withdraw as Violence Spreads

Glasgow was not the only place affected by the Bonfire Night disorder.

In Edinburgh, firefighters responding to bin fires in the south of the city were forced to withdraw because of antisocial behaviour.

Crews faced dangerous conditions as groups of individuals targeted emergency services with fireworks and other projectiles.

In Oxgangs Road North, a group reportedly created a road blockade and set it alight.

When police arrived, officers were targeted with fireworks.

Similar incidents were reported in the Gracemount and Gilmerton areas, where fireworks were thrown at police and public vehicles.

In Clydebank, members of the public were also targeted with fireworks.

Police officers arriving to investigate were subsequently attacked.

The incidents demonstrate how quickly celebrations intended to mark an annual national tradition can turn into dangerous situations for local communities.

Firefighters responding to burning bins and illegal bonfires were forced to consider their own safety before continuing their work.

Seven Arrests as Police Launch Major Operation

Police Scotland confirmed that seven people had been arrested across the country following the disturbances.

The operation, known as Operation Amberlight, involved specialist police resources supporting local officers in areas affected by disorder.

Police described the deployment as their largest since the visit of US President Donald Trump to Scotland in 2025.

Officers from forces across England and Wales were also brought in to support the operation.

These included personnel from Avon and Somerset, Hertfordshire and South Wales.

The extensive deployment reflected concerns about the scale of potential disorder during Bonfire Night.

Police also had to manage other significant events in Glasgow, including the Celtic versus Besiktas Europa League match.

Despite the challenges, the football fixture passed without serious incident.

Police Scotland said investigations would continue to identify those responsible for attacks on emergency personnel and damage to public property.

The force has urged anyone with relevant information to come forward.

Firefighters Targeted With Rocks, Glass Bottles and Fireworks

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service also faced a difficult night.

Crews attending incidents in several locations were attacked with fireworks, rocks and glass bottles.

Attacks were reported in:

• Knightswood, Glasgow.
• Castlemilk, Glasgow.
• Cumnock, Ayrshire.
• Larkhall, South Lanarkshire.
• Blackridge, West Lothian.

Fortunately, firefighters escaped without reported injuries, although some crews were forced to withdraw or wait for police assistance.

The attacks meant that emergency personnel could not always carry out their work immediately.

This creates additional risks for residents who may be waiting for help with fires or other emergencies.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Ian McMeekin, head of prevention at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, expressed disappointment at the attacks.

He emphasised that firefighters are there to protect communities and should never face intimidation or violence while responding to emergencies.

The service said it would continue working closely with Police Scotland to identify those responsible.

More Than 1,000 Firework-Related Calls

The scale of the incidents was reflected in the number of emergency calls received during the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.

Police Scotland recorded 1,024 fireworks-related calls between October 31 and November 5, 2026.

This represented an increase compared with the 833 calls received during the same period in 2025.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service also reported an exceptionally busy evening.

Between 5.30pm and 11.30pm on November 5, firefighters received 1,172 calls and attended more than 767 incidents.

These included 335 bonfires.

The figures highlight the enormous demands placed on emergency services during the celebrations.

Although the majority of people enjoyed Bonfire Night peacefully, a minority engaged in behaviour that placed emergency workers and members of the public at risk.

Police Scotland also reported that the number of incidents requiring specialist public-order resources had decreased compared with the previous year.

This suggests that the overall situation was not uniformly worse, despite the serious attacks that took place.

Police Chief Condemns the Violence

Chief Superintendent David Robertson, who led Operation Amberlight, strongly condemned the attacks.

He acknowledged the efforts of communities that celebrated responsibly but said the attacks against emergency personnel were unacceptable.

He said:

“Police officers, ambulance staff and firefighters are there to protect communities – not to be the target of violence.”

Robertson confirmed that investigations would be carried out to identify those responsible and bring them before the courts.

He also praised members of the public who provided information that helped police seize significant quantities of fireworks before they could be used for criminal activity.

The police chief’s comments underline the importance of cooperation between emergency services and local communities.

Without public support, it becomes considerably more difficult for officers to identify troublemakers and prevent serious incidents.

Growing Concerns Over the Misuse of Fireworks

The violence has renewed calls for stronger controls over the sale and use of fireworks.

Fireworks are traditionally associated with celebrations, family gatherings and public displays.

However, when used irresponsibly, they can cause serious injuries, property damage and considerable distress.

Emergency workers have increasingly raised concerns about fireworks being deliberately directed at them while attending incidents.

Animal welfare campaigners have also highlighted the impact of loud explosions on pets and wildlife.

The Government has previously proposed reducing the permitted noise level of consumer fireworks from 120 decibels to 110 decibels.

Certain high-risk fireworks are already restricted from sale to the general public.

However, an outright ban on members of the public buying and using fireworks has not been adopted.

The latest incidents are likely to strengthen demands for further action.

Supporters of tougher regulations argue that responsible families should not have to suffer because a minority misuse dangerous products.

Others believe enforcement of existing laws should be improved before additional restrictions are introduced.

Emergency Workers Deserve Protection

Perhaps the most troubling aspect of the disturbances is that emergency personnel were attacked while responding to people who needed help.

An ambulance crew attending an injured man should be able to concentrate on providing medical assistance rather than protecting themselves from fireworks.

Firefighters responding to burning buildings or dangerous fires should not have to withdraw because they are being attacked.

Likewise, police officers should be able to maintain public order without becoming targets of violence.

These workers perform essential duties on behalf of society.

Their safety is not simply an employment issue. It is directly connected to the safety of everyone who depends on emergency services.

When attacks prevent crews from reaching an emergency, innocent people can suffer the consequences.

There must therefore be clear consequences for individuals who deliberately target emergency workers.

Conclusion: Bonfire Night Violence Raises Serious Questions About Public Safety

The shocking scenes across Scotland have cast a shadow over this year’s Bonfire Night celebrations.

A police vehicle was set alight in Glasgow, ambulance workers and police officers were injured, firefighters faced attacks with fireworks and other projectiles, and seven people were arrested.

The extensive deployment under Operation Amberlight demonstrated the seriousness with which Police Scotland approached the threat of disorder.

Although the majority of communities celebrated responsibly, the actions of a minority created dangerous situations for emergency personnel and ordinary residents.

The increase in fireworks-related calls also highlights the pressure placed on police officers, firefighters and ambulance workers during the annual celebrations.

The authorities must now identify those responsible and ensure that appropriate legal action follows.

There also needs to be a wider discussion about fireworks regulation, antisocial behaviour and the protection of emergency workers.

Bonfire Night should be an opportunity for families and communities to come together, not an excuse for violence and intimidation.

Police officers, paramedics and firefighters put themselves in difficult situations to protect others.

They deserve respect, protection and the ability to carry out their work without fear of being attacked.

The message from the authorities is clear: emergency workers are there to save lives and protect communities. Anyone who deliberately targets them must expect to face the consequences.