Police vehicle set alight and ambulance workers targeted with fireworks

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

Police Scotland 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 spokesman 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.”

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.