A gang of youths carried out a potentially catastrophic firework attack on a petrol station in Aberdeen, amid a spate of dangerous incidents on Bonfire Night.

Grampian Police were called to the filling station in the Bridge of Don after reports of a gang fight that culminated in about 20 youths hurling fireworks at cars in the forecourt. Officers reported that some of the missiles had strayed close to the pumps, forcing the closure of the station.

In another part of the city fire crews came under attack from a group of about 30 youths while tackling an illegal bonfire at playing fields in Balnagask.

“It sounds like there has been a real surge in misbehaviour this year, because last year the number of incidents had been on the decline,” Martin Greig, of the Aberdeen police board, said. “It’s very sad to hear about so many shocking and serious incidents.”

Willie Young, a councillor, said that he had been appalled by the attack on the garage. “One flame and that place is up. I don’t want to imagine the catastrophic consequences of a petrol station going up in flames,” he said.

In greater Glasgow Strathclyde fire crews attended 612 incidents yesterday — four times the normal daily average. A man was treated for smoke inhalation after a firework flew through an open window in a block of high-rise flats in Whiteinch.

Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue were called to 429 incidents — nearly three times the normal daily average In Brydekirk, Dumfriesshire, a man suffered burns to his upper torso, face and neck at the village bonfire.

Police are also investigating damage to a house in Annanside, Moffat, after a catherine wheel was posted through a letterbox.

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