Man injured and two arrests made during Bonfire Night unrest across Scotland

A man has been injured and two arrests have been made following unrest throughout Scotland during Bonfire Night.

Police responded to incidents within Edinburgh, Glasgow, Clydebank and Blackridge on Wednesday.

At around 5.30pm Public Order Officers responded to calls relating to antisocial behaviour and youths throwing fireworks within the Calder Road and Sighthill Park areas.

After officers arrived, those involved dispersed, and no further serious offences took place.

On Glasgow’s Netherton Road, fireworks were being directed at the emergency services at around 7.05pm, resulting in the police car sustaining damage and requiring uplift.

Public Order officers then assisted local policing colleagues in Clydebank at around 8pm following incidents of fireworks fired towards shops and vehicles within Dunbarton Road.

A man in Clydebank was injured after a firework smashed through the rear window of a vehicle. He was left with a minor shoulder injury and burnt clothing, but did not require hospital treatment.

In Blackridge, fire crews called for police assistance at around 9.45pm after they were struck with bricks and fireworks.

Between October 31 and November 5, Police Scotland received 833 calls nationwide, representing a decrease of almost 37% compared to the same period last year.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service dealt with almost 700 emergency calls throughout the evening.

Scotland

Bonfire Night unrest: Emergency services targeted with fireworks across Central Belt

Bonfire Night has in recent years seen repeated disorder and anti-social behaviour in some parts of Scotland.

Officers have made two arrests, and inquiries are ongoing to identify the individuals involved in the offences that occurred throughout the night.

A total of 25 Dispersal Orders were issued in Edinburgh, with a further 20 in Glasgow.

Officers in the capital also carried out 34 stop-and-searches under Section 60 policing powers, which were implemented for Bonfire Night.

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

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.”

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour, SFRS Head of Prevention, 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.”