06 November 2023 , 08:08
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Bonfire Night descended into chaos last night as fire crews came under attack and several police officers were injured when yobs threw petrol bombs.
Incidents were recorded in cities across the nation, including in Edinburgh where around 100 youths gathered on Hay Avenue in Niddrie just before 5pm. Fireworks, petrol bombs and other projectiles were fired at buildings, vehicles and police. Officers were also called to incidents in Dundee, where two police cars were hit by bricks, and Glasgow where two groups of youths were fighting, on a night of “unprecedented levels of violence".
Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs said: “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.
Police were attacked by fireworks on Bonfire Night (GMFRS)"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."
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said there were nine attacks on its crews on Bonfire Night, which saw crews bombarded with fireworks and bricks. No firefighters were injured - however, a fire appliance in West Lothian had a windscreen smashed by a brick and had to be removed from operational service.
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Fire crews came under attack by yobs (GMFRS)SFRS received more than 892 calls from the public and Operations Control mobilised firefighters to approximately 355 bonfires across the country between 3.30pm and midnight on Sunday Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Russell Findlay branded the youths in Edinburgh "thugs", and council leader Cammy Day said their behaviour was "disgraceful".
Mr Day said: "I'm appalled to see the scenes in Niddrie this evening. We've been clear 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. Such attacks on police officers are cowardly, reckless and dangerous.”
The incidents of violence were repeated in Greater Manchester where Tactical Aid units attended a scene in the Abbey Hey area of Manchester, where officers reportedly had fireworks launched at them. Officers reportedly had fireworks launched at them as they responded to a group of 'around 30 people'.
Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service said last night: “Sadly, we’ve just been dealing with a fire involving multiple wheelie bins and timber in Little Lever, and our crew has come under attack from people throwing bricks. This is bang out of order – our staff work tirelessly to protect others, they do not come to work to be attacked.”