Youths in Dundee light fires and vandalise building one year on from riots
Around 50 people were involved in the disturbance
Last updated 1st Nov 2023
Politicians are condemning the actions of around 50 youths who lit fires and vandalised a building in Dundee’s Kirkton area.
Emergency services were called the the area at around 7.45pm on Halloween night after a blaze was set on Craigmore Street and the windows of an abandoned building nearby were smashed.
It comes a year after heavy rioting in Kirkton when fireworks were hurled at police, fires were set on the street and St John's RC Academy was smashed up.
In a Facebook post, leader of Dundee City Council John Alexander said he was "incredibly angry" about the latest incident and branded "the roughly 50" people involved "morons".
Mr Alexander wrote: "Once again, a small group brings the area down and for what… a chase, to appear 'hard' or for 'fun'.
"Well done to the group of roughly 50 folk who have, quite literally, caused huge concern and worry in the area, cost taxpayers tens of thousands of pounds and once again knocked their own community."
North East Labour MSP Michael Marra also told us that he believes this time of the year needs to be supported appropriately and opportunities put in place for people in the Kirkton area.
He said those responsible need to be taught this is unacceptable behaviour.
Mr Marra explained: "We should take a zero tolerance approach to this kind of disorder and we have to make sure that those who have perpetrated a disorder tonight are held to account."
What have Police Scotland said?
Chief Superintendent Phil Davison, local policing commander for the Tayside Division, said police responded to the incident quickly - with specially trained officers sent to the area to disperse the group.
He confirmed inquiries are ongoing to identify everyone involved.
Mr Davison said: "The safety of our communities is our main priority, and I would like to reassure the public in that we continue to work closely with our multiagency partners during this Halloween and Bonfire period.
"We have specially trained colleagues from public order units to support our local policing teams when there is a risk of harm, such as fireworks being used recklessly, illegal bonfires and items being thrown."
More follows.