Bonfire night violence flares in parts of Scotland

Fire and police chiefs say their personnel have come under attack - and sustained some minor injures - as bonfire night violence flared in parts of the country.

Fireworks and petrol bombs were thrown at police in Edinburgh, while in Dundee, two police vehicles were struck by bricks. Attacks also took place in Glasgow, Blantyre and Troon, while gangs threw fireworks at each other in Quarrywood Avenue in Barmulloch.

The worst of the violence - described as being like a riot - was in Niddrie in Edinburgh, with Police Scotland saying they were "subjected to unprecedented levels of violence" leaving around eight officers hurt.

Around 100 youths gathered on Hay Avenue just before 5pm yesterday, in a repeat of disorder seen last year in the neighbourhood.

Police say around 50 of them were responsible for directing fireworks, petrol bombs and other projectiles at buildings, vehicles and police.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs said while the majority of Scotland enjoyed Bonfire Night, "Police Scotland officers were subjected to unprecedented levels of violence.

"A minority of individuals have been responsible for an unacceptable and frankly, disgusting level of disorder that left communities alarmed and police officers injured.

"The violent nature of the situation witnessed in the Niddrie area of Edinburgh is extremely concerning, not least because it is believed young people were being actively encouraged and co-ordinated by adults to target officers while they carried out their duties."

Drone footage showed a line of police officers with riot shields standing in front of vans with blue lights flashing.

A mob of black-clad youths gathered on grass in front of them and began throwing pyrotechnics.

The police made a retreat as a petrol bomb hit the ground in front of them and fireworks exploded.

The assault continued, with petrol bombs and fireworks forcing police to shuffle backwards.

The officers then ran at the assailants, in footage filmed from a nearby sports centre.

Police Scotland said there were a small number of arrests made with further arrests anticipated to follow in the coming days as investigations continue.

In Dundee, two police vehicles were struck by bricks, while in Glasgow two groups of youths were fighting and directing fireworks towards each other.

Last year in Niddrie, motorbike gangs terrorised the neighbourhood on Bonfire Night while fireworks were thrown on the ground.

In 2018, Police Scotland set up Operation Moonbeam to tackle Bonfire Night chaos, and on Tuesday, riot police attended Kirkton, Dundee, after children reportedly as young as 10 set off fireworks.

Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Russell Findlay branded the youths in Edinburgh "thugs", and council leader Cammy Day warned they would be prosecuted.

Mr Day said: "I'm appalled to see the scenes in Niddrie this evening. We've been clear that this sort of conduct is unacceptable.

"We've been working throughout the year in our communities to mitigate Bonfire Night-related disruption so it is extremely disappointing to see a minority of people behaving in this way.

"This reckless behaviour endangers lives and, like the majority, I share in their dismay and upset at this disgraceful behaviour."

Mr Findlay said: "Such attacks on police officers are cowardly, reckless and dangerous. Police Scotland need sufficient resources to tackle these thugs."

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