Riot police attacked with fireworks by 'hostile' crowd amid disorder in Auchinleck

Riot police were struck with fireworks from a “hostile” crowd amid a large-scale disorder incident in East Ayrshire on Saturday night.

Officers were called to Old Avenue in Auchinleck on Saturday evening to reports of a crowd gathered.

One officer was struck by a firework and had to be taken to hospital for treatment.

Police said that the crowd moved to other addresses in the area and refused to disperse before some became “extremely hostile” towards officers.

Videos posted on social media showed police with helmets and riot shields having fireworks thrown at them.

Police Scotland condemned those involved and said the attacks were “completely unacceptable”.

Detective inspector Louise White of Ayrshire Division said: “An investigation is underway following an incident of large-scale disorder in Auchinleck on Saturday, November 25. Officers were called to reports of a crowd gathered in Old Avenue.

“The crowd moved to other addresses in the area and public order officers attended to assist when the crowd refused to disperse when requested. Unfortunately during the incident some of those gathered became extremely hostile towards the police and one officer was struck by a firework and taken to hospital for treatment.

“Police officers have a duty to ensure the safety of everyone involved in such incidents but this kind of behaviour is completely unacceptable.

“Although the crowd later dispersed, our investigation is ongoing to trace those responsible and ensure they are dealt with appropriately. This will include reviewing any available video footage.”