Fireworks and bricks thrown at police after crowd gather outside house

Officers believe the group gathered at the location due to inaccurate information circulating online.

Police vehicles damaged and two injured after 300 people gather outside house on Graham Road in DumbartonGoogle Maps

Two people have been injured and a number of police vehicles were damaged after hundreds of people gathered outside a house in West Dunbartonshire.

Shortly before 7pm on Tuesday, police received reports of a large crowd of around 300 people gathering outside the property on Graham Road, Dumbarton.

Officers believe the group gathered at the location due to inaccurate information circulating online.

The crowd refused to disperse when requested by police and a number of objects, including bricks and fireworks were thrown at officers.

Two men were injured, one of whom was taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital and several police vehicles were damaged in the disturbance, resulting in those vehicles being out of action until they are repaired.

The occupants of the house in question were removed by police and the property has now been boarded up and is currently not in use.

No arrests have been made and an investigation is now under way to identify the people involved in the disturbance.

Area commander chief inspector Ryan McMurdo said: “What happened in Graham Road last night is totally unacceptable and I understand the fear and alarm it will have caused. 

“I want to reassure the public that a team of officers is working on the investigation to identify those involved and I have every confidence they will find those responsible.

“Due to last night’s incident, several police vehicles are out of service today, directly impacting local policing.

“As a police officer, I will always uphold the rights of those who wish to engage in a peaceful protest. However, when that behaviour descends into criminality, resulting in the scenes we witnessed last night, then I will act and ensure those responsible will face the consequences of their actions.”

Detective inspector Karen Cameron said: “We continue to carry out door-to-door enquiries and a search of the area will be conducted today. 

“I would like to appeal to anyone with information or recorded footage of the incident to contact us. We have set up a mailbox for the public to contact us and email any images to OperationIridescent@scotland.police.uk.”

Officers will remain in the area to provide reassurance for local residents. Anyone with concerns can approach these officers. 

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2892 of February 28, 2023. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to give your information anonymously.

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