Police attacked with petrol bombs during Bonfire Night unrest in Edinburgh

A group of around 50 young people clashed with riot police in Edinburgh, engaging in violent behavior such as throwing fireworks and petrol bombs directly at officers. The incident took place in the Niddrie area of the city, and video footage showed officers in riot gear being targeted by explosives. Similar disturbances also occurred in Glasgow and Dundee. Police Scotland reported that eight officers sustained minor injuries in what they described as an evening of "unprecedented levels of violence." The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) revealed that nine of their crews were attacked across the country during an eight-hour period. In Niddrie, police were called to the scene after reports of antisocial use of fireworks. They believe that a number of individuals provided young people with fireworks and petrol bombs to target the police. Bystanders were seen watching the violence, and videos showed officers being bombarded with explosives. The police stated that a small group of about 50 youths incited the violence by directing fireworks at vehicles and buildings. Two police vehicles were damaged in Dundee, and in Glasgow, officers responded to a report of youth groups fighting and throwing fireworks at each other. In total, eight officers were injured in the incidents in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs condemned the disorder, attributing it to a minority of individuals who were encouraged by adults. The SFRS confirmed the attacks on crews in various locations, with no injuries reported but damage to an appliance. Assistant Chief Officer Andy Watt expressed his disappointment and stated that his department would collaborate with the police to identify those responsible. The SFRS received over 892 calls on the day and dispatched firefighters to approximately 355 bonfires across the country. The leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, Cammy Day, expressed his dismay at the behavior and considered it dangerous and life-threatening. Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Russell Findlay condemned the attacks on police officers and called for Police Scotland to be adequately resourced to deal with such incidents. Operation Moonbeam was established by Police Scotland in 2018 to combat Bonfire Night disorder, which has historically involved various acts of violence and anti-social behavior. Last year, a police vehicle was hit by a Molotov cocktail in Niddrie, and motorbike gangs raced through the area while fireworks were thrown.