AN ATTACK on firefighters in Faifley by a group of 20 youths armed with fireworks has sparked a furious community response.

Police Scotland said the group targeted Scottish Fire and Rescue Service personnel as they were responding to a report of an illegal bonfire in Langside Street on Bonfire Night.

It was one of 483 calls received by police reporting alleged fireworks offences across Scotland on the night of November 5.

One man was arrested on suspicion of assault and culpable and reckless conduct in connection with the Faifley incident – one of 12 people arrested around the country on Saturday evening.

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.”

Gordon Scanlan, SNP councillor for the Kilpatrick ward, said there was now a need for a proper public conversation about the risks involved in the sale of fireworks.

He said: “Emergency first responders put their own personal safety on the line to protect the public and I condemn this violence in the strongest possible terms.

“Disgraceful acts like this further highlight the danger of firework use outside of organised public displays. 

“Conversations need to be had about the benefits and dangers of firework sales to the public.’’

West Dunbartonshire’s Provost Douglas McAllister, who also represents the Kilpatrick ward, added: “The majority of our residents enjoyed Bonfire Night in a responsible and safe manner.

“I’m absolutely disgusted to hear of the mindless thugs who behaved in this way. It is completely unacceptable to direct such conduct towards our emergency services.

“Clearly current Scottish Government legislation is ineffective because this is an annual occurrence and more must be done to protect our emergency services.

“Times have changed and more of my constituents are of the view that there is no place in society now for the public sale of fireworks or unofficial bonfires.”

Police Scotland said most of the serious incidents reported on November 5 happened in Edinburgh, where the public, firefighters and police officers were all targeted by youths in possession of fireworks, bricks and petrol bombs.

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 to contact police via 101 so we can investigate appropriately.

“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.”