Mindless West Lothian youths attack fire crews and aim fireworks at cars and homes on Bonfire Night

On Bonfire Night in West Lothian, a group of youths engaged in mindless acts of violence, attacking fire crews and directing fireworks at cars and homes. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service reported that firefighters in Blackridge were targeted with missiles on Tuesday night, although no injuries were reported. Additionally, residents in Blackburn witnessed fireworks being aimed at properties and vehicles.

Leading up to Bonfire Night, the SFRS had urged the public to be mindful of the dangers posed by fireworks and unsafe bonfires, highlighting the impact of such actions on communities and emergency services. Andy Watt, Deputy Chief Officer for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, commended the professionalism and resilience of frontline crews who responded to over 1,000 calls that night despite facing multiple attacks. These incidents not only hinder emergency responses but also endanger the safety of emergency service personnel and the public.

In Blackburn, concerned residents took to social media to express outrage at the reckless behaviour of youths launching fireworks. This misconduct follows a recent incident where footage on social media captured individuals firing multiple fireworks at Blackburn skate park on Sunday evening. The community members stressed the dangers posed by such acts and called for increased awareness and safety measures to protect everyone.

Police Scotland noted a decrease in serious disorder incidents during Bonfire Night compared to previous years, attributed in part to Operation Moonbeam launched in 2023. Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs acknowledged the efforts of emergency service workers in maintaining safety and preventing escalations of violence. A robust investigative response is now underway to identify and hold accountable those involved in violent incidents.

As efforts continue to address the root causes of disorder on Bonfire Night, local authorities, police, and community partners are collaborating to enhance community engagement and preventive measures for future events. The authorities are leveraging all available resources to ensure public safety and reduce incidents of violence and antisocial behaviour during such occasions.

In conclusion, the incidents in West Lothian highlight the importance of promoting responsible behaviour and respect for emergency service personnel during festivities. Collaboration between authorities and communities is crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals. Initiatives like Operation Moonbeam showcase the commitment to preventing violence and upholding public safety during significant events like Bonfire Night.