Edward DavidsonThe leader of Edinburgh City Council says he has been left “shocked and saddened” following the unrest witnessed across the city caused by “hooligans” on Thursday.
Emergency services were deployed to Hay Avenue, in the Niddrie area, as police vehicles and buses were pelted with fireworks and other missiles.
One female officer was injured during the unrest after the vehicle she was in was struck by a brick, smashing a window.
The junction of Niddrie Mains Road and Duddingston Park South, and the junction of Niddrie Mains Road and Greendykes Road were closed as police attempted to calm the violence.
Police were also called to Moredunvale Road, Southhouse Road and Captains Road as well as West Pilton Park following further reports of firework related incidents.
STV NewsA 14-year-old boy has been arrested and charged in connection with fireworks offences. Further enquiries are ongoing to identify those involved in the disorder.
It comes a year after around 100 youths took to the same streets on November 5 in a repeat of the disorder seen in the same neighbourhood in 2022.
At the time it was reported that 62 officers sustained a range of injuries after being struck by or in the proximity of fireworks in incidents across Scotland last year.
Edinburgh council leader Cammy Day has praised the efforts of emergency services throughout the night and slammed those who took part in “mindless violence and disorder”.
He also confirmed that a planned meeting with police has taken place to discuss plans for Bonfire Night.
The local authority leader said: “I’m shocked and saddened to hear of the mindless violence and disorder that took place in areas across the city last night, especially during what should have been a night of fun and celebration.
“This is a time for families and young people to come together and enjoy Halloween in a safe environment, so it’s incomprehensible to me that anyone would choose to cause such disruption, fear and alarm in our communities – particularly with hooligans deliberately targeting buses and police vehicles.
“I would appeal to anyone who can help identify those responsible to contact police as soon as possible so they can be dealt with appropriately through the justice system.
“I’d like to reassure residents that we will continue to work closely with Police Scotland, particularly in the run-up to Bonfire Night, and that we met – as planned – first thing this morning to discuss next steps.
“I want to pay tribute to our dedicated emergency services for the fantastic job they do doing to keep us all safe – not only now, but all year round – and to our fantastic bus drivers, who keep the city moving. Nobody should face violence at work, and we will continue to do everything we can to ensure their safety.”
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