‘Disgusting attacks’ condemned after Clydebank Bonfire Night

Scottish Conservative leader and West Scotland MSP Russell Findlay has called for tougher penalties for offenders, after emergency workers were targeted with firework attacks during the night.

He said: "Once again on Bonfire Night we've seen shameful scenes of violence and disgusting attacks on our emergency workers here in Clydebank.

"There must be a zero-tolerance approach to those who assault those doing their jobs keeping the public safe.

"I thank all our emergency workers for their bravery last night and all those from forces across the rest of our country who assisted Police Scotland.

"These thugs must face the full force of the law and be properly punished."

It is understood that Police Scotland was supported by officers from 18 other British police forces during the disorder.

The force saw a reduction in serious incidents across the country, as we previously reported; however, they said there was still an "unacceptable" number of incidents where emergency workers were targeted.

Findlay further criticised the current justice system, claiming it fails to deter offenders, and called on the SNP to double the maximum sentence for attacks on emergency service workers.

He said the justice secretary should make a statement in Holyrood to address the violence.

Findlay added: "Clydebank residents need to know that those responsible will be fully punished and that the police will be given extra powers to ensure we don’t see a repeat next year."

He also criticised what he called First Minister John Swinney’s "soft-touch justice approach," including sentencing guidelines for under-25s, which he believes embolden young criminals.

In response, Kirsten Oswald, the community safety minister, welcomed the reduction of serious incidents across the country this year, but condemned the attacks on emergency crews, calling them "utterly despicable."

She continued: "No community should have to suffer disorder.

"We strengthened the penalties available to courts, including making the use of fireworks to attack emergency workers an aggravating factor in sentencing.

"The independent courts have extensive powers to deal robustly with perpetrators, and we support Police Scotland's commitment to identifying and holding to account those responsible."

Oswald explained that the Scottish Government has introduced measures to improve firework safety, which included a ban on under-18s buying or being supplied fireworks, as well as giving local authorities the power to designate firework control zones (FCZ).

She added: "My thanks go to all the emergency services who worked hard last night in challenging circumstances to keep communities safe.”