Man arrested in Liverpool over illegal fireworks supply

Police in Liverpool have arrested a man in connection with the distribution of illegal fireworks in Edinburgh.

Police Scotland said 2600Ibs (1200kg) of illegal firework were seized including 2200Ibs (1000kg) recovered in Rosyth.

The seizures came after Edinburgh CID conducted local inquiries into individuals linked with possessing and selling fireworks, which intelligence suggested were intended for use in disorder offences on Bonfire Night.

The force worked with Merseyside Police and the 28-year-old man was charged with conspiracy to aid, abet and incite disorder.

Det Insp Stevie Dick from Edinburgh CID said: "This arrest is testament to the outstanding collaboration between Police Scotland and Merseyside Police and our joint commitment to removing illicit and harmful items, such as illegal fireworks, from our communities."

He added that a number of lines of inquiry remain ongoing into offences identified prior to and during Bonfire Night.

Police conducted "a major operation" at places known as trouble spots across Scotland in an attempt to avoid a repeat of disorder seen in previous years.

Firework Control Zones (FCZs) are active in some parts of Edinburgh and Glasgow, and officers have been using stop and search powers in both cities as part of Operation Moonbeam.

Two attacks were recorded against fire service personnel on Bonfire Night - with over 750 emergency calls made across the country.