Riot police were attacked by a group of around 100 youths in Edinburgh on Bonfire Night. Videos and images from the Niddrie area of the city show police standing in a line in riot gear, while teenagers threw fireworks and petrol bombs in their direction. The police had been called to the area following reports of “antisocial use of fireworks.” Officers were subjected to what was described as a “disgraceful” assault involving fireworks, petrol bombs and other projectiles. The public was asked to avoid the area while the response continued, while several road closures were put in place.
According to City of Edinburgh Council leader Cammy Day, the attacks were “reckless” and “endangered lives”. Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Russell Findlay described them as “cowardly, reckless and dangerous” and called for sufficient resources to be made available to tackle similar incidents in the future. Police Scotland established Operation Moonbeam in 2018 to deal with Bonfire Night-related disorder. Last year, a police vehicle was struck by a Molotov cocktail in Niddrie. Motorbike gangs were seen racing through the area while fireworks were thrown.
On Halloween this year, police had to attend an illegal bonfire in the Kirkton area of Dundee following reports of youths setting off fireworks. The event follows a series of similar incidents across the UK in the run-up to Bonfire Night. As well as endangering the lives of those involved and passing members of the public, the offences may also lead to criminal charges and a conviction. The attacks on police officers in particular are likely to be taken very seriously by the authorities, significantly increasing the risk of prison time for those involved.
The Scottish authorities, like their counterparts in countries around the world, face a major challenge in controlling the use of fireworks at this time of year. Social media has made it easier for young people to organise disturbances and share footage of their activities. However, as this latest incident in Edinburgh shows, the authorities are increasingly taking a tough line on violent behaviour associated with Bonfire Night celebrations
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