A family in Drymen had to be evacuated from their home after a firework set their front porch on fire.

The incident happened in the early hours of Sunday October 31. The family were inside asleep at the time.

Chief Superintendent Davie Flynn from Central Scotland Police, said: "The family, including three children, were woken when smoke alarms in the house went off and they thankfully managed to evacuate the house and raise the alarm. It is beyond belief that someone would be so reckless as to set off a firework in the direction of a family home in the early hours of the morning while they slept."

A 23-year-old man is being questioned and police inquiries are continuing.

The incident came two days after the launch of a multi-agency initiative tackling antisocial behaviour surrounding the use of fireworks.

Operation Alamo sees Central Scotland Police and partners enforcing fireworks legislation by cracking down on those who set fireworks off outside the prescribed times or sell fireworks illegally.

Chief Superintendent Flynn added: "As we head into the second week of Operation Alamo, I'm saddened that our message is clearly not getting through to some parts of our communities. While we have only had three crimes reported since the start of the operation on Friday, this incident in Drymen was extremely dangerous and could have had far more serious consequences."

He added that the force would also be taking "a zero tolerance approach to people who set out to target emergency service workers as they respond to incidents".

"It's our aim that this bonfire night passes peacefully with the public able to enjoy the occasion safely and without incident or injury," he concluded.

Davie McGown from Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service said: "Although firefighters are still being called to the same areas to extinguish small deliberately set fires, the number they have attended in the last two weeks has fallen compared with the same period last year.

"We hope this positive trend continues in the week before and during Guy Fawkes night, and we are pleased that our message has been listened to, which will make Central Scotland safer during this period.

"We have also continued our joint visits to inspect and give advice to retailers selling and storing fireworks. I would urge anyone to go to a professionally organised display, however, if you do decide to organise your own, please follow some simple steps to ensure you and your family is safe.

"For example only buy from legitimate retailers, ensure children are kept well back from fireworks, do not allow very young children to handle fireworks, always follow the instructions on the packaging and avoid drinking alcohol if you are planning to light fireworks."