Tonne of fireworks seized ahead of Bonfire Night disorder campaign

Tonne of fireworks seized ahead of Bonfire Night disorder campaign

A significant amount of fireworks, valued at £42,000 and containing 163kg of explosive content, were confiscated by Fife police in anticipation of Bonfire Night. The discovery was made in Rosyth, where officers, acting on a tip-off, found the items hidden in a van. As a result, a 24-year-old man was taken into custody and placed under curfew from October 31 to November 6, pending further court proceedings. Police Scotland, on the other hand, has launched a campaign showcasing the adverse effects of previous disorderly incidents during this time of the year on emergency service personnel, bus drivers, and the general public.

Last year, instances of police officers and firefighters being targeted with fireworks and projectiles were reported across the country. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that their teams were assaulted in locations such as Clydebank, Edinburgh, and West Lothian. Additionally, approximately 100 young individuals engaged in clashes with riot police in the Niddrie area of Edinburgh in 2023, hurling fireworks and petrol bombs directly at the officers on duty.

In a recount of the events that unfolded two years earlier in Niddrie during the disturbances, Edinburgh police officer Insp Scott Casey described the harrowing experience of being under attack. He vividly recalled the barrage of fireworks, bricks, and looted kitchenware hurled at them while on duty. Insp Casey shared how he personally endured several fireworks striking his chest and witnessed the chaos escalate with the assault involving petrol bombs. The aggression during past incidents also caused serious injuries to some officers, as one had a firework explode beneath his visor while another was struck by a brick on the thigh.

The impactful consequences of reckless behavior involving fireworks were further emphasized in a Police Scotland video featuring testimonies from individuals affected by such incidents. A mother, Catherine, narrated the story of her 11-year-old son Max, who sustained severe burns to his legs following an explosion triggered by an aerosol can he was handling near a fire. More than 60 individuals have been reported for their suspected involvement in fireworks-related offenses during the 2024 Bonfire Night period. Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs stressed that every action has repercussions, urging the public to recognize the gravity of their actions and the implications on others’ lives, well-being, and community safety. In anticipation of potential unrest, Police Scotland activated Operation Moonbeam as part of their annual strategy to manage violence and disorder during this period

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