Fireworks thrown at police but officers note reduction in Bonfire Night disorder

Fireworks were thrown at emergency services vehicles and one person was injured after a firework hit a car, however police said there was a “notable” reduction in Bonfire Night disorder overall.

Between October 31 and November 5, police received 833 calls which needed a local or specialist response, down almost 37% on the same period last year.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said it responded to 751 emergency calls over an eight-hour period, with two attacks being recorded against its personnel.

Police said two people were arrested on Wednesday evening, while 25 dispersal orders were issued in Edinburgh and a further 20 in Glasgow.

This year, firework control zones (FCZs) are in place in three areas of Glasgow in a bid to curb disorder over the Bonfire Night period, while nine are in place in Edinburgh.

Police said they responded to incidents in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Clydebank and Blackridge, West Lothian, on Wednesday evening.

At around 7.05pm, local officers and firefighters in Netherton Road, Glasgow, reported fireworks being directed at their vehicles. The police car was damaged as a result and had to be taken away.

In Edinburgh, officers were called to reports relating to anti-social behaviour and youths throwing fireworks within the Calder Road and Sighthill Park areas at around 5.30pm. However, police said those involved dispersed when officers arrived and there were no more serious offences.

In Clydebank, officers were called to reports of fireworks being thrown towards shops and vehicles in Dumbarton Road at around 8pm.

One man suffered a minor injury to his shoulder after a rear window of the vehicle he was travelling in was smashed by a firework, however he did not need hospital treatment.

The fire service dealt with almost 700 emergency calls throughout the evening.

Police Scotland last week launched Operation Moonbeam, its annual public order response to violence and disorder around Bonfire Night.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, gold commander for Operation Moonbeam, said: “First and foremost, I want to offer my thanks to the public across Scotland for their overwhelming support of our policing response and for working closely with us to make this a successful operation.

“While police were required to deploy into various areas and address certain incidents arising, there has been a notable and welcome reduction in both the number of serious disorder offences occurring, and the level of violence and hostility directed towards police officers, firefighters, and ambulance crews.

“There will be follow-up criminal inquiries undertaken in relation to some of the offences that took place, and I want to make it clear again that the criminal use of fireworks will not be tolerated.

“What’s really encouraging is the level of positive engagement we’ve had with communities over the last few months, and this has helped shape our policing plans for Operation Moonbeam, as well as providing vital intelligence that has led to some significant fireworks recoveries in advance of the Bonfire Night period.

“I am grateful to all of the partners and stakeholders who worked alongside us in the planning and delivery of Operation Moonbeam, and to each and every officer and member of staff whose dedication and professionalism have made this a successful policing operation.”

Within the Glasgow FCZs, it is a criminal offence for a member of the public to set off a firework from November 1 to November 10.

Police Scotland is enforcing the restrictions and anyone found breaching them can face up to six months in prison and a fine of up to £5,000.

FCZs came into force in Edinburgh in nine areas of the city on October 31 and they will be in place until November 9.

They cover Balerno, Calton Hill, Corstorphine, Gracemount, Longstone, Moredun, Niddrie, Seafield and Sighthill.

Officers in Edinburgh carried out 34 stop-and-searches under the Section 60 policing powers implemented for Bonfire Night.

There have been no reports of injury to police officers or other emergency service personnel over the last week

Fire service deputy assistant chief officer Kenny Barbour added “I would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff, and all emergency responders across Scotland, for their tireless efforts during this busy and challenging period.

“The bonfire season is always our busiest period of the year and presents us with some unique challenges in terms of keeping our staff and communities safe.

“But that is why our preparatory work is so key and I would like to thank our partners for their continued support in this joint effort.

“Thank you also to our communities for following our key safety guidance and for respecting our staff. Their support is invaluable in allowing us to be there for those who need our help the most.”