AN EMERGENCY crew were attacked with fireworks after they were called out to a 'bonfire' in Ardrossan - for the fifth time this week.

Fears had been raised over the behaviour of 'gangs' of youths in the grass area between Central Avenue and Queen's Drive at the end of last week.

The same location was subject to similar behaviour last year - in the approach to bonfire night - when firefighters were subjected to attacks.

Despite early efforts from emergency services this year, including increased police patrols in the area, similar "unacceptable" behaviour has once again taken place.

Reports were brought to the Herald on Tuesday, October 22, night that the youths who had been setting bonfires in the area had begun launching fireworks.

A concerned parent said that a fire engine was targeted at this time - and terrified youngsters as young as six who were training with their football team on nearby Stanley Primary School AstroTurf.

They said: "I had to phone the fire brigade as the kids there were holding fireworks and firing them.

"When the fire engine came they couldn’t leave the engine, as they even aimed them at them and fired them.

"I was parked at the shops at Central Avenue after my daughter’s football practice. I had girls in the car screaming their heads off in fear after being outside."

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The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have since confirmed the attacks, condemning the "reckless and totally unacceptable" behaviour which they say is putting a "needless drain on resources".

They added that Tuesday's incident was their fifth call to the Central Avenue area within a week - having been tasked to attend on Wednesday (October 16), Thursday (October 17), Friday (October 19) and Saturday (October 20).

Area Commander Ian McMeekin, local senior officer for Ayrshire, said: “Over the past week we have been called out on a number of occasions to attend a bonfire within the park at Central Avenue, Ardrossan.

“When we were called at 7.09pm on Tuesday, October 22 to attend a bonfire, upon arrival fireworks were projected towards our fire appliance and crews requested the assistance of police partners after encountering antisocial behaviour.

“Firefighters extinguished the fire and left the scene. There were no reported casualties.

“Unfortunately, at this time of year, we do see an increase in anti-social behaviour from a very small minority of people and, on occasion, attacks on our firefighters.

“Attacks on the emergency services are both reckless and totally unacceptable. It is also a needless drain on resources.

“We take a zero-tolerance approach and will always work with Police Scotland to identify those responsible.”

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Police Scotland say they will continue to patrol the area and work alongside partners - and that such behaviour will not be tolerated.

Community Sergeant Mark Semple said: “In the evening of Tuesday, October 22, we received reports of youths throwing fireworks in the Central Avenue and Queens Drive areas of Ardrossan.

“Officers attended and enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible.

“Patrols are being carried out in the area and officers are working with partners, including the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and North Ayrshire Council to deter this type of conduct. Engagement work with young people is also underway

“This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated and anyone with information should call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3071 of Tuesday, October 22, 2024.”