A GROUP of youths armed with fireworks attacked firefighters in Clydebank on Bonfire Night, say police.

Officers say the incident happened while crews from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service attended a report of an illegal bonfire in Faifley.

Police Scotland said a total of 483 calls were received relating to alleged fireworks offences on the night of November 5, with 12 people arrested and a further 15 dispersed.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “During a call-out to an illegal bonfire at Langside Street, Clydebank, members of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were attacked by twenty youths using fireworks.

“Police public order officers attended and the group dispersed.

“One police vehicle sustained very minor damage and one male was arrested on suspicion of assault and culpable and reckless conduct.”

Police Scotland said most of the serious incidents reported on November 5 happened in Edinburgh, where members of the public, firefighters and police officers were all targeted by youths in possession of fireworks in the Niddrie, Drylaw, Sighthill and Duddingston areas of the city, including throwing bricks and petrol bombs at police vehicles.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam, the emergency services’ combined Bonfire Night response effort, said: “I want to make it abundantly clear that considerable follow-up inquiry will be conducted in relation to all of these incidents, utilising all resources at our disposal to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

“Do not think that just because you evaded police on the night, that we won’t be knocking on your door in the near future.

“I would ask anyone who has information relating to the offences observed last night to contact police via 101 so we can investigate appropriately.

“What the events of last night demonstrate to me is the importance of having a robust frontline policing service that can be readily supported by national and specialist colleagues when required.

“Similarly, working in partnership with other emergency colleagues and local authorities is equally important to ensuring we are deploying the correct level of resource to the right areas at the right time.

“All of those who were on duty during Bonfire Night showed exceptional professionalism and dedication to protecting communities from harm during extremely difficult and challenging circumstances. I am grateful for all of their efforts.”