Riot police called as gang of 50 start fires on Halloween in Kirkton in Dundee

Riot police were called in after a gang of around 50 people lit fires and threw fireworks on Halloween in Dundee.

Specially trained units were called to the Beauly Avenue and Beauly Square area of Kirkton at around 7.45pm on Tuesday after it was determined there was a “risk to harm” for attending officers.

Around 50 people were involved in the disorder which saw fires started in wheelie bin used to barricade roads and fireworks used “recklessly”.

Police Scotland said it was working to identify all those involved after officers armed with riot shields dispersed the crowd from the scene.

Around 50 people were involved in the disorder which saw fires started in wheelie bin used to barricade roads in Kirkton, Dundee, on Halloween. STV News

No arrests have been made and there were no reports of any officers or members of the public being injured.

Chief superintendent Phil Davison said the behaviour “will not be tolerated” and that enquiries were ongoing.

He said: “There is no justification for this behaviour, and it will not be tolerated. Enquiries are ongoing to identify everyone involved.

“The safety of our communities is our main priority, and I would like to reassure the public in that we continue to work closely with our multiagency partners during this Halloween and Bonfire period.

“We have specially trained colleagues from public order units to support our local policing teams when there is a risk of harm, such as fireworks being used recklessly, illegal bonfires and items being thrown.”

“Incredibly angry”

Around 50 people were involved in the disorder which saw fires started in wheelie bin used to barricade roads in Kirkton, Dundee. Supplied

Following the disturbance, Councillor John Alexander, the leader of Dundee city council, said he was “incredibly angry” and branded those involved “morons”.

Riot police were deployed to the same area last Halloween as groups of youths set fires, blocked roads and damaged vehicles and property.

He wrote: “Absolute morons. Once again, a small group brings the area down and for what… a chase, to appear ‘hard’ or for ‘fun’.

“Pathetic, ugly and a sad sight.

“Look at the ages of some of those in the videos. If you know you’re kids are involved in this then sadly, you’re part of the problem. As a parent, as much as a councillor for the area, it makes me so incredibly angry to see this.

“I’m in contact with officers as I type and I’m being kept up to date.

“Well done to the group of roughly 50 folk who have, quite literally, caused huge concern and worry in the area, cost taxpayers tens of thousands of pounds and once again knocked their own community.

“Morons.”

Scottish Conservative deputy justice spokesperson, Sharon Dowey MSP said: “The behaviour witnessed last night in Dundee was appalling and must have been terrifying for local residents caught up in it.

“Our thanks go to the brave police officers and firefighters who put themselves in danger to stop the mob wreaking havoc.

“This is the fourth year in a row that the local community has been terrorised by reckless fire-raising and vandalism, causing severe damage to property, frightening local residents and potentially putting lives at risk.

“Our emergency services are already hamstrung by brutal SNP budgets cuts – and disgusting behaviour like this only strains the limited resources that the police and fire service have.

“That’s why I have submitted an urgent question to the Scottish Government to ask what action it is taking in response to this disgraceful incident.”