Scotland bonfire night disorder: Adults 'undoubtedly involved' in orchestrating violent clashes in Edinburgh and Glasgow
Emergency crews came under attack on Sunday in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee. In the Niddrie area of Edinburgh, petrol bombs and fireworks were thrown at riot police.
Monday 6 November 2023 14:43, UK
Bonfire Night clashes in Scotland that left eight people injured are believed to have been organised - with a police chief stating that adults were "undoubtedly" involved in "orchestrating" the violent behaviour.
Emergency crews came under attack on Sunday in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee.
A large group of youths and adults gathered on Hay Avenue in the capital's Niddrie area at around 4.40pm in a repeat of disorder seen last year in the neighbourhood.
Specially trained public order officers in riot gear attended the scene.
Police earlier said around 50 youngsters were responsible for launching fireworks, petrol bombs and other projectiles at buildings, vehicles and officers.
At around 9.05pm, officers were called to a report of around 20 youths fighting and throwing fireworks within the Quarrywood Avenue area of Barmulloch, Glasgow.
Police Scotland said eight officers sustained minor injuries during the Edinburgh and Glasgow incidents.
First Minister Humza Yousaf condemned the "disgraceful scenes" as the force said emergency crews were subject to "unprecedented levels of violence".
In an update on Monday afternoon, Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs said: "Last night we experienced significant disorder, in particular in the Niddrie area of Edinburgh, and in the Quarrywood Avenue area of Glasgow.
"Our priority during the disorder was to protect our communities and our emergency workers, and now we are looking to carry on our police work and use the evidence we gathered to carry out the necessary arrests.
"The level of disorder we faced was unacceptable and looking at the evidence we have already gathered, we don't believe this incident was spontaneous.
"Although many of those involved were youths, there were undoubtedly adults involved in orchestrating that behaviour.
"We took a robust stance and I am proud of the courage, discipline and professionalism that officers showed in the face of the violence last night."
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An ongoing police presence remained in both Niddrie and Barmulloch on Monday afternoon. Witnesses have been urged to come forward with any information they may have.
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In 2018, the force set up Operation Moonbeam to tackle Bonfire Night chaos.
ACC Mairs, gold commander for Operation Moonbeam, added: "A number of our officers sustained minor physical injuries, however we are also aware of the mental impact that dealing with such significant levels of violence can have and will continue to support all officers affected.
"Nobody deserves to be injured in this way for doing their job. An emergency worker is also someone's son, daughter, husband or wife."