Two men have been arrested after a pedestrian was struck by a van in a “hit and run” following a large Bonfire Night explosion in Peterhead.
Emergency services raced to the scene after a pyrotechnic device was ignited within a skate park on Aalesund Road in town at around 9.20pm on Tuesday. Local residents in the area reported their “homes shaking” as a result of the large explosion.
Pictures taken from the scene showed the huge explosion as a plume of smoke billowed up into the sky. Officers from Police Scotland say those responsible made off in a van before striking a 33-year-old man as the fled the scene.
Ambulance crews attended and the man was treated by paramedics at the scene. Cops have now confirmed two men, aged 62 and 57, have been arrested in connection with the incident. Their enquiries are ongoing.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “In Peterhead a pyrotechnic device was ignited within a skate park in Aalesund Road at around 9.20pm. Those responsible then made off in a van before striking a 33-year-old male pedestrian and fleeing the scene. The male was treated by paramedics at the scene but did not require further medical attention.
“The incident is being treated as contained and there is no wider risk to the public. A visible police presence will remain in the area while this work is ongoing.”
In a later further statement, Chief Inspector Steven McDonald added: “Prior to the crash, a large pyrotechnic device was ignited nearby, causing damage to an area of grass close to the skate park. Two men, aged 62 and 57, have been arrested in connection with the incident and enquiries are ongoing.”
Police chiefs have vowed to arrest the yobs involved in the “unacceptable behaviour” across Scotland on Bonfire Night after firefighters and police officers came under attack with fireworks and bricks.
Assistant Chief Constable of Police Scotland Tim Mairs promised arrests will be made in the coming days and weeks as blue light workers dealt with “significant disorder”, particularly in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Over 1,000 calls were made to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) from the public during an eight-hour period on Bonfire Night – with six reported attacks on fire crews within three hours.
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