Nine arrested as police hunt 14 others over Bonfire Night violence in Edinburgh and Glasgow

Key Points

Emergency services respond to ‘unprecedented levels of violence’ in Edinburgh’s Niddrie
Nine people have been arrested as police hunt 14 others
Police believe adults ‘equipped’ children with pyrotechnics and encouraged them to attack officers
Firefighters targeted with bricks and fireworks in nine attacks over eight-hour period

Nine people have been arrested as police hunt 14 others over Bonfire Night violence that saw petrol bombs and fireworks thrown at officers.

Riot police suffered injuries in Glasgow and Edinburgh on November 5.

Two people were arrested on that evening, and Police Scotland confirmed on Wednesday that a further seven people had been arrested in connection with the violence.

Around 50 young people clashed with police in what was described as “unprecedented levels of violence” in Edinburgh’s Niddrie area.

First Minister Humza Yousaf called the scenes “disgraceful”.

A 31-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman were arrested and charged with fireworks offences. Both were released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date.

An 18-year-old man and a 13-year-old boy were also both arrested and charged with culpable and reckless conduct and being in possession of a weapon.

The man will appear in court and the 13-year-old was reported to the relevant authorities, police said.

Detectives have identified fourteen others in connection with the disorder in the Edinburgh area, and work is ongoing to establish further individuals.

Four people, including a police officer, were taken to hospital in Glasgow following a “mass brawl” in the Barmulloch area.

In relation to this, a 17-year-old man was arrested and charged with assault and being in possession of a weapon.

A further two men, aged 16 and 17, were also arrested and charged with assault.

Enquiries are continuing into both incidents and further arrests are expected.

Assistant chief constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam said: “We are continuing our enquiries into the significant disorder we experienced on bonfire night. These arrests are just the start, and we expect to make more in the coming weeks.

“We took a robust stance, and I am proud of the courage, discipline and professionalism that officers showed in the face of the violence that night.

“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.”

If anyone has any information they are asked to contact 101. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.