Dozens of people have been arrested, and many more have been charged following “significant” disorder across the country on Bonfire Night.
Police Scotland have said their criminal investigations into disorder have begun after large groups of youths threw fireworks and other projectiles at officers, vehicles and public property.
The majority of the incidents unfolded in the Niddrie, Calder Road, Gracemount, and Moredun areas of Edinburgh, as well as the Pollokshields area of Glasgow.
A total of 19 arrests have been made throughout the country in connection with fireworks offences.
Six people have been charged under the Fireworks and Pyrotechnics Articles Act, while a further 26 charges have been brought against individuals for “associated criminality”.
Police ScotlandAmong the incidents reported was 21 cars being damaged by fireworks at a car dealership on Calder Road in Edinburgh.
In Peterhead, police said a van hit a 33-year-old man after a pyrotechnic device was ignited in a skate park on Aalesund Road. The man did not require further medical attention after being treated by paramedics, with inquiries to identify the suspects ongoing.
Scottish Fire and Rescue crews responded to a large number of unauthorised bonfires being lit and were met with large groups of hostile youths upon attendance.
Within three hours, attacks on crews were reported, including three in Clydebank, two in Edinburgh, and one in Blackridge, West Lothian.
Police have said that further arrests are expected in the coming days.
A major incident public portal has been created to allow communities to share video and photo evidence of offences taking place in their area.
Anyone with footage that can assist officers in identifying people involved in fireworks-related crime can submit it to https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT24S16-PO1.
FifeJammerLocationsAssistant chief constable Tim Mairs, gold commander for Operation Moonbeam, said: “Now that our Bonfire Night deployments have stood down, our investigation teams will begin reviewing all the evidence we obtained through body-worn video, air support unit footage and statements from the public.
“This will help us establish the identities of those who chose to cause harm within our communities and who sought to attack and injure emergency service workers.
“While I am encouraged that we didn’t see the same levels of serious disorder when compared to last year, I am under no illusion that the actions of a minority of individuals still had a significant and detrimental impact on various communities across Scotland.
“Their actions will not be tolerated, and detectives are working tirelessly to make arrests and ensure all of those involved in the offences we witnessed are brought to account.”
Chief superintendent David Robertson, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, added: “I made it clear following the incidents that occurred during the evening of Halloween that we’d leave no stone unturned as part of our investigations and I am reaffirming that statement today.
“Law-abiding members of the public living in Niddrie, Calder Road, Gracemount and Moredun were left terrified as serious disorder took place in their communities and vital bus services that allow safe travel across our city were violently attacked, which is entirely unacceptable.
“I am enormously grateful and immensely proud of all of the officers and staff who contributed to Operation Moonbeam. Colleagues worked tirelessly behind the scenes and on the front line, putting themselves in harm’s way to restore order and return these areas to a state of normality as quickly as possible, but the work begins now in terms of identifying and arresting everyone responsible.
“If members of the public have information or evidence that can help with our inquiries, then please contact us immediately.”
Chief Superintendent Lynn Ratcliff, divisional commander for Greater Glasgow Division, said: “The overwhelming majority of those within Glasgow chose to enjoy Bonfire Night in the proper spirit.
“However, groups of young people, motivated to cause the maximum amount of fear and alarm, carried out targeted disorder in certain parts of the city.
“This put not only local residents at risk but meant police officers, fire service personnel, and ambulance crews were in danger of being injured as they responded to protect communities. Thankfully, however, no injuries were reported.
“Detectives across Glasgow are reviewing all evidence they obtained during Bonfire Night, and working with the public to gather more information, which will help bring these offenders to justice.
“If you believe you can assist with our ongoing inquiries then please get in touch.”
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