Scots firefighters suffer series of attacks after being called to playground blazes
Firefighters have been subjected to a series of attacks after being called to attend blazes started by teenagers next to a play park.
The firemen were targeted on three separate occasions earlier this month, after being called to attend fires in Ardrossan.
Youngsters have started bonfires on a grassed area next to a playground in the North Ayrshire town's Central Avenue area on at least eight occasions.
And the area's top firefighter said a police probe is now underway as they try to identify the yobs responsible for the violence.
Area Commander Kevin Murphy is the Local Senior Officer for East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire and South Ayrshire.
He told Scotlight: “We have been called out on a number of occasions to attend fires in the open in the Central Avenue area in Ardrossan.
“Upon arrival, missiles have been projected towards our fire appliances and our crews.
“Unfortunately, at this time of year, we do see an increase in anti-social behaviour from a small minority of people and, on occasion, attacks on our firefighters.
“I would like to make it absolutely clear that attacks on crews and emergency service vehicles are completely reckless and totally unacceptable.
"It is a needless drain on our resources that can delay them being available to respond elsewhere.
“We take a zero-tolerance approach and will be working with Police Scotland to identify those responsible.”
Scotlight can reveal that firefighters were called to blazes at Central Avenue eight times between October 3 and October 6.
On October 3, they were called out at 7.29pm, 8.34pm, and 9.20pm, with youngsters attacking them and the fire engine during the last call out.
They had to attend fires at the area again on October 4 at 5.22pm and 8.16pm, and 8.58pm and were again attacked during the second attendance.
And on October 5 they were attacked when attending a 9pm fire. They were also called to attended on October 6 at 7.46pm.
On October 6, police also received reports of a teenager armed with a machete in the area and are investigating the incident.
Locals took to social media, saying that someone had been armed with a machete and was threatening people at a row of shops next to the park.
That Incident came the day after a man was attacked with a machete outside a cafe elsewhere in the town.
Sergeant Mark Semple said: "Around 8.45pm on Tuesday, 6 October, 2026, we were called to a report of a male youth with a knife as part of a larger gathering in the vicinity of Central Avenue in Ardrossan.
"No weapons were recovered and enquiries are ongoing.
"Local officers are continuing to carry out routine patrols in the area and work closely with partner agencies.
“The vast majority of people who enjoy the area do not engage in anti-social behaviour.
"We are committed to encouraging people away from this kind of behaviour but will take appropriate action where incidents are reported and offenders identified.
“Information from the public is vital. If you witness antisocial behaviour in the area, report it and engage with officers. Providing CCTV or other footage will help us identify those involved.
"Anyone with any information or concerns should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting 3280 of Tuesday, 6 October, 2026."
On the machete attack outside the town's Cafe Palazzo, a Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 4.15pm on Monday, 5 October, 2026, we received a report of a serious assault in the Glasgow Street area of Ardrossan.
“Officers attended and a 38-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment.
“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
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