Twelve people arrested on 'challenging' Bonfire Night for emergency services
Over 480 fireworks related incidents were reported
Last updated 6th Nov 2022
Police Scotland have said a number of crimes emerged over the course of the evening, with twelve arrests made and a further 15 were dispersed.
Further inquiries to identify more suspects will be taking place over the coming days and weeks.
Elsewhere in the city, approximately 100 youths threw fireworks at members of the public and vehicles at Marischal Road. The emergency service teams that responded were also targeted, though, no one was injured.
'Petrol bombs'
Within the Duddingston area of The Capital, a number of police vehicles had petrol bombs thrown at them by a number of youths. There were also incidents of roads being barricaded by the suspects, which required police to attend and deal with. There were no injuries reported during these incidents.
Police injured
In Sighthill, Edinburgh, local officers were within their vehicle when it was targeted by youths with bricks who smashed the vehicle’s windows. This resulted in both officers being injured. They were taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. One sustained a head injury that required stitches, while the other needed treatment for glass in their eye.
Disorder in Glasgow
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were attacked by twenty youths using fireworks in Clydebank, following an illegal bonfire at Langside Street. One male was arrested for assault and culpable and reckless conduct.
Elsewhere in Glasgow, a man threw a flare into a crowd of people outside the OVO Hyrdo. He was detained by security staff at the scene. Following police enquiries, two people were arrested in connection with what happened.
What are police now saying?
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam said: “Our initial analysis of the incidents arising on Bonfire Night show that, for the overwhelming majority of the country, people enjoyed the occasion safely and responsibly.
“However, in some areas, particularly Edinburgh, various individuals have shown blatant disregard for the safety of the public and the emergency services and have actively targeted police officers and firefighters during the course of their duties.
“This behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. I want to make it abundantly clear that considerable follow-up inquiry will be conducted in relation to all of these incidents, utilising all resources at our disposal to identify those responsible and bring them to justice. Do not think that just because you evaded police on the night, that we won’t be knocking on your door in the near future.
“I would ask anyone who has information relating to the offences observed last night to contact police via 101 so we can investigate appropriately.
“What the events of last night demonstrate to me is the importance of having a robust frontline policing service that can be readily supported by national and specialist colleagues when required. Similarly, working in partnership with other emergency colleagues and local authorities is equally important to ensuring we are deploying the correct level of resource to the right areas at the right time.
“All of those who were on duty during Bonfire Night showed exceptional professionalism and dedication to protecting communities from harm during extremely difficult and challenging circumstances. I am grateful for all of their efforts.”