Rockets 'fired' at police and firefighters in Bonfire Night attack

An investigation is under way into an attack on Glasgow firefighters and police with firework rockets in the Drumchapel area on Bonfire Night.

Inspector Cat Sutherland said rockets were “fired” at officers and fire crews.

Officers are currently investigating the crime, inspector Sutherland told the council’s Drumchapel and Anniesland Area Partnership on Thursday.

Fire station commander Garry Miller said: “It is shocking to know that fire crews and police are getting attacked on these occasions.”

It is believed crews were attacked in the Kendoon Avenue area during the incident on Fireworks Night.

Knightswood and Yorkhill fire stations commander Murray added: “I want to express my thanks to Police Scotland for their support during fireworks night. They had crews mobilised alongside our fire crews on the night.”

There were eight attacks in total on fire crews across Scotland on Friday, November 5, leaving three firefighters injured.

Crews attended over 370 bonfires across Scotland and had more than 1000 calls on one of their busiest nights of the year.

The meeting also heard around £20,000-worth of illegal fireworks were recovered in Drumchapel in the lead-up to the date following a joint operation by the police and Trading Standards Scotland.

At the time inspector Sutherland warned fireworks are “dangerous and can have devastating effects.”

Councillor Elspeth Kerr expressed her thanks for all the hard work that has taken place.

Condemning those who target crews, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service assistant chief officer Stuart Stevens said in a statement: “Attacks on our firefighters are completely unacceptable.

“This type of behaviour not only prevents our crews from bringing any emergency to a safe and swift conclusion, but it can impact on our emergency service colleagues – including the police when they must escort us at the scene.

“This type of behaviour is, of course, carried out by a very small minority and we once again thank our communities for their continuing support and working together with us to stay safe.”

Story by local democracy reporter Sarah Hilley