Youth gangs rampage during Bonfire Night chaos, as disorder breaks out across country

Youths went on a rampage during Bonfire Night chaos as disorder broke out across the country. Shocking scenes of disorder were witnessed in Edinburgh, where streets were locked down as youths hurled fireworks at cars, businesses, and emergency crews. Riot police were called out to deal with the situation in the Sighthill, Niddrie, and Moredun areas of the capital. Officers and police vehicles faced attacks with fireworks, bottles, and bricks being thrown at them. In Glasgow, reports of ‘small pockets’ of disorder emerged as youths were seen launching fireworks towards oncoming traffic in Pollokshields. Police across Scotland deployed Operation Moonbeam to handle the chaos, with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service receiving over 1,000 emergency calls. While the number of arrests made has not been confirmed by Police Scotland, they stated that there were no injuries to members of the public or emergency service workers during the incidents in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

A 33-year-old man was treated at a skate park in Peterhead after being struck by a group who fled in a van. The police are seeking information to trace the suspects involved in the incident. The number of firework-related disorder incidents attended by police was lower compared to the previous Bonfire Night. Specialist officers were dispatched to 18 incidents last night, down from 26 incidents the year before. In a separate incident, a female officer was injured after a brick was thrown through the window of a police vehicle in Edinburgh. Last year, 62 officers were injured due to being targeted by fireworks and other projectiles. Gangs of masked youths targeted an Edinburgh petrol station and set fires on the roads, causing panic among locals. In Glasgow, police intervened in Pollokshields where individuals were firing rockets at moving traffic, with one resident stating that the police were outnumbered.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs acknowledged the courage and professionalism of emergency service workers, emphasizing that the level of violence faced by police, fire service, and ambulance personnel was unacceptable. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service faced multiple attacks on their crews while responding to emergency incidents, hindering their ability to safely resolve situations. Despite the challenges, the emergency services thanked the communities for their support during the Bonfire period. Andy Watt, Deputy Chief Officer for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, commended the resilience of frontline crews who responded to over 1,000 calls and faced multiple attacks during the night.

In conclusion, the article sheds light on the chaotic events that unfolded during Bonfire Night across Scotland. It highlights the bravery of emergency service workers who faced violence and aggression while trying to maintain order and keep communities safe. The incidents serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by emergency services during such events and the importance of community support in ensuring public safety.