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More than 1,000 fire crews were called out on Bonfire Night in Scotland. However, six teams were also subjected to attacks; three in Clydebank, two in Edinburgh, and one in West Lothian. Air support was needed and six suspects were arrested by the police. Deputy Chief Officer for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Andy Watt, said in response to the attacks that they had prevented vital work being carried out to save lives and properties. Meanwhile, youths gathered in large groups in Niddrie, Sighthill and Moredun in Edinburgh, throwing fireworks, bottles and bricks at cars and police vehicles. Incidents of serious disorder have, however, fallen this year, and, for the first time, control zones banning the use of fireworks in certain areas of Edinburgh are in place until 10 November.
Despite the drop in serious disorder claims, residents have seen large groups of young men causing disorder until the early hours; firing “industrial-sized” fireworks at people, buildings and cars, and setting fire to public property. Anti-fireworks campaigner and Pollokshields resident Danny Phillips called it the “worst firework disorder in years” and criticised the council for failing to implement the control zone. A man was hit by a van driven by a group who, moments before, had set off a pyrotechnic in a skate park in Aalesund Road, causing him to require assistance from paramedics but no further medical attention was needed.
Police officers were also attacked with fireworks, bricks and bottles. The force said the attacks on emergency services were “wholly unacceptable” and officers were working to trace those responsible. Although last year saw 62 injuries amongst law enforcement officials, just one injury was documented this year. Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, gold commander for Operation Moonbeam, said in response, “the levels of violence and aggression police officers, fire service and ambulance service personnel faced in some areas was wholly unacceptable and a significant investigative response is now underway to identify each and every one of those involved and bring them to justice”.
The Unison union, which represents many of the workers who take on the difficult job of working with fireworks, said the government’s restructuring of the policing system had led to lower crew numbers, greater reliance on firefighters to cover staffing shortages, and the reduction of public safety messages. The union called on the Scottish government to invest in more staff to cover crew shortages and more comprehensive safety messages to educate communities about the risks of using fireworks irresponsibly
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