Clydebank street 'like warzone' after van full of fireworks explodes

A woman has described the moment her street felt like a “warzone” after a van filled with fireworks was set alight during the early hours of the morning.

Yvonne O’Neil was woken up by an explosion after the vehicle was deliberately set on fire on Braes Avenue in Clydebank around 1am on Sunday.

The van was engulfed in flames, sending fireworks hurling towards people’s homes.

Emergency services evacuated nearby buildings while firefighters directed hoses onto a flat building to stop it from catching fire.

A video from the scene shows some of the missiles striking and smashing a window.

Van filled with fireworks set on fire in Clydebank Clydebank East Community Council

Although there were no reported injuries, Yvonne recalls seeing people being struck by fireworks.

She told STV News: “I flew out my bed and it was like a warzone.

“All you could hear were kids screaming and parents screaming to get their kids out. People were getting hit by fireworks.

“It was like something out of a movie. Some of the windows on the flats were smashed in.

“The fire brigade used a hose on the van and the building. I think if they were five minutes later, there would’ve been a lot of casualties.

“It was horrific. It was a big explosion that kept going and going.”

Investigators are treating the incident as wilful and are looking to speak to a man who was seen making off toward the canal path around the time.

He is described as white, in his 30s, of slim build, with a shaved head. He was wearing a dark-coloured hooded jacket and dark-coloured bottoms.

Detective constable Andrew Baldacci, Clydebank CID, said: “I’m appealing for anyone who has information about this man, or the man himself, to come forward.

“I’d also ask anyone who saw what happened or has any information about the incident, and has not already spoken to police, to contact us.

“Similarly, if you have private CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage from the area, please review this and bring anything of significance to our attention.”

Anyone with information is urged to call Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference number 0246 of February 23. Alternatively, phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.