Fireworks, bricks and bottles thrown at police in Edinburgh on Bonfire Night

Fireworks, bricks, and bottles were thrown at police in Edinburgh on Bonfire Night.

Police officers were seen with riot gear and a helicopter was deployed in the city as part of Operation Moonbeam.

The operation aimed to tackle firework-related events after groups of youths hurled fireworks, bricks and bottles at police officers.

Sighthill, Gracemount, and Gilmerton, with Niddrie were the worst affected areas.

We have launched criminal investigations across the country following disorder experienced on Bonfire Night.

Members of the public can submit their own photographic or video evidence of crimes in their area here➡️ https://t.co/dBewH9KVf9

Read more➡️ https://t.co/lAagXILKtk pic.twitter.com/a8CE27ZMLv

— Police Scotland (@PoliceScotland) November 6, 2024

Lothian buses withdrew their services in this area for safety precautions, buses had to be withdrawn last Thursday on Halloween for the same reason.

Last year, dozens of young people clashed with police in Edinburgh, aiming fireworks and petrol bombs at the police. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service also reported nine crews being attacked across Scotland in an eight-hour period on Bonfire Night last year.

Videos shared on social media show masses of fireworks being set off and a large police response to this years disturbances.

Firework control zones were put into place until the 10th November for the first time this year. Police officers were also given extra stop and search powers in certain areas to try and tackle firework and anti-social behaviour related incidents.

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A report from a police spokesperson told the BBC that 21 cars had been damaged by fireworks at a car dealership on Calder Road, Edinburgh, with several car windows being smashed and body work being damaged. Staff at a nearby petrol station also explained that the petrol pumps had to be sealed off as fireworks being launched into a nearby restaurant meant there was a risk of an explosion.

Chief Superintendent David Robertson said: “Law-abiding members of the public living in Niddrie, Calder Road, Gracemount and Moredun were left terrified as serious disorder took place in their communities and vital bus services that allow safe travel across our city were violently attacked, which is entirely unacceptable.”.

Scottish Secretary and MP for Edinburgh South Ian Murray also described the events as “disgraceful and unacceptable”, going on to say: “We must stop the sale of fireworks to those who wish to use this time of year to cause havoc on our streets.”.

Incidents were also reported in Glasgow where fire crews and police were called to attend large numbers of unauthorised bonfires. Emergency services were met with groups of hostile youths. A video from Pollockshields shows a group setting off fireworks in the street with a police van nearby.

Heavy police presence not doing much to deter fireworks on Albert Drive in Pollokshields pic.twitter.com/4ApP5VYxzw

— Andrew Learmonth (@andrewlearmonth) November 5, 2024

Despite the disorder, the police confirmed to the BBC that no members of the public were injured in Edinburgh or Glasgow and a major incident portal has been created online for people to share videos and photos of the disorder.

First Minister John Swinney has been criticised for claiming that he was “encouraged” by the reduced number of disturbances on bonfire night. Police Scotland said that they had responded to 18 incidents on Tuesday evening, down from 26 last year.

Featured images via X