A police chief has vowed to catch mindless yobs who caused chaos across Scotland on Bonfire Night.
Investigations are underway after officers and fire crews were attacked with fireworks and other missiles in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Greenock on Thursday night.
Police are also working to identify a number of people responsible for causing damage to cars and properties by holding illegal bonfires and throwing fireworks.
Chaotic scenes in Greenock were shared on social media after around 200 people attended an illegal rave in Auchmead Road.
Fire crews attended to put out the blaze but were instead attacked by youths who threw bottles at fireworks at them.
Riot cops were drafted in to break up the massive gathering during which a 15-year-old was arrested and charged.
One Glasgow cop ended up with glass in his eye after the windscreen of his police vehicle was smashed while responding to a call about a vehicle fire in Kendoon Avenue.
Thankfully the officer was not badly injured and was able to continue working. A man has been arrested in connection with the incident.
Elsewhere in Glasgow, officers were pelted with fireworks by mindless youths in Dale Street while one cop was hit in the head with a firework at Glenisla Street.
Similar chaotic scenes were found by emergency service workers in Edinburgh.
A police car was left badly damaged and officers were forced to dodge lit fireworks after a group of young people targeted them in Hay Avenue.
Officers were then called after a gang of youngsters held an illegal bonfire on Arthur’s Seat which ran out of control and began spreading up the hill.
Anti-social behaviour by young people on Pennywell Road also saw cops called to the scene where they arrested a 16-year-old male who has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs said: “As the Chief Constable has said, it is disgraceful and deplorable when officers and staff are subjected to violence during the course of their duties.
“Across the country, the overwhelming majority of the public enjoyed Bonfire Night safely and responsibly and I want to thank them for heeding our advice.
“However, I am disappointed at the level of disorder and anti-social behaviour seen last night. A minority of people’s behaviour has once again put lives at risk.
“It also places intense pressure on the emergency services and impacts severely on local communities.
“The evening of Thursday, 5 November, 2020, saw a number of serious incidents arising throughout Scotland that required Operation Moonbeam resources to support local policing colleagues.
“The majority of these incidents involved young people. To be absolutely clear, such actions are dangerous and cause harm to the public and emergency service workers.
“We will not tolerate such acts and you may not have been arrested last night but rest assured, officers are carrying out follow-up investigations to identify those involved and responsible.
“Additional officers will continue to be deployed over the coming days to support local divisions.”
