Summary

  • About 50 young people clashed with riot police in Edinburgh on Bonfire night

  • There is clear evidence that adults orchestrated some of the attacks, says Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs

  • Encouraging young people to attack officers "is child abuse", says ACC Mairs

  • Fireworks and petrol bombs being thrown directly at police officers in the Niddrie area of the city

  • Police Scotland also responded to disturbances in Glasgow and Dundee

  • The force said eight officers suffered minor injuries on a night of "unprecedented levels of violence"

  • The leader of Edinburgh City Council, Cammy Day, has called for a ban on the sale of fireworks to the public

  1. Key pointspublished at 18:01 Greenwich Mean Time 6 November 2023

    Aerial view of Edinburgh Bonfire Night disorderImage source, PA Media

    If you're just joining us now here is a recap of today's coverage on the Bonfire Night disorder across Scotland:

    • Police Scotland said officers faced "unprecedented levels of violence" in organised Bonfire Night clashes across various Scottish cities.
    • About 50 young people clashed with riot police in the Niddrie area of Edinburgh, throwing fireworks and petrol bombs at them.
    • During an interview with the BBC News on Monday, Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs said the actions of adults were "orchestrated" - and that some had been caught on camera directing children to commit crimes, which he likened to "child abuse".
    • ACC Mairs said two people were arrested last night in relation to the violence, one in Glasgow and one in Edinburgh - and said more arrests are likely in the coming days.
    • Will Linden, the deputy head of Police Scotland's violence reduction unit said more youth workers are needed to prevent young people from getting involved in these kind of incidents in the first place.
    • There has been cross-party condemnation of the violence with First Minister Humza Yousaf saying there had been "disgraceful scenes of fireworks misuse" in parts of Scotland.
    • Some politicians as well as community campaigners have called for an outright ban on the sale of fireworks.
    • Speaking to BBC News, one fireworks company defended the sale of pyrotechnics, but says the industry supports raising the legal age for purchasing them.

    Today's live page was edited by Paul Hastie and Mary McCool, and the writers were Craig Hutchison and Auryn Cox.

  2. Shopkeeper forced to close after rockets fired at shoppublished at 17:48 Greenwich Mean Time 6 November 2023

    A Glasgow shopkeeper was forced to shut his shop last night after people were firing rockets into his store.

    Michael Gracey, who was working at the shop in Barmulloch on Bonfire Night last year, says the level of violence on Sunday was worse.

    "By the time it reached 20:50 [last night] everyone started kicking off," he says.

    "We had people fighting in the street and they're firing fireworks towards the store, they're coming in and out of the store like covered in blood - so we just shut the shop down straight away and just left it as it was and called the police."

    Michael Gracey

    Michael says the area is a hotspot for this kind of activity around Bonfire Night.

    "The wrong group of people getting together - it's not just this sort of area but a lot of areas surrounding here all come to the fire on the same night so it just ends up causing a bunch of chaos for everyone," he says.

    "It's disgusting to be honest, it shouldn't be happening but it happens every year so we're sort of used to it I suppose."

  3. There's a lot of hopelessness in our communities - church pastorpublished at 17:38 Greenwich Mean Time 6 November 2023

    Drivetime with John Beattie
    BBC Radio Scotland

    Now as we've been hearing on Drivetime, local residents in Niddrie have told the BBC of how last night's disturbance left them scared and disgusted.

    Andy Constable, pastor at Niddrie Community Church, tells the programme they offer support to youths who want it.

    "A lot of the young people have difficult backgrounds," he says, adding that a lot of them have "very tough stories."

    He says: "The motivation is to have a bit of fun on Guy Fawkes night.

    "There's a lot of hopelessness in our communities, there's a lot of boredom. Not knowing what to do with themselves.

    "They don't like the police at the best of times, and so it ticks all those boxes - fun, boredom."

  4. Number of deliberate fires has been on the decreasepublished at 17:24 Greenwich Mean Time 6 November 2023

    bonfireImage source, PA Media
    Image caption,

    Fires were previously set in a street in Niddrie in 2022

    Last night's violence came after fire chiefs revealed that the number of deliberate fires set in the run up to Bonfire Night has actually dropped by nearly a third over the past five years.

    Scottish Fire and Rescue Service figures, released last week, show that the number of deliberate fires in the three weeks up to November 5 in 2018 was 1,302. By 2022 it had fallen to 907 over the same period.

    The SFRS said most outdoor blazes involved rubbish and woodland, but some were deliberate building and vehicle fires.

    It credited a reduction of anti-social behaviour to prevention efforts such as school visits.

    Read more here.

  5. How do we tackle youth anti-social behaviour?published at 17:15 Greenwich Mean Time 6 November 2023

    Will Linden, the deputy head of Police Scotland's violence reduction unit (VRU), told BBC Radio Scotland's Drivetime programme he was annoyed and disappointed by the levels of anti-social behaviour and violence last night.

    The VRU was set up in 2005 to provide an alternative solution to dealing with the country's rising homicide rates.

    Mr Linden says trust must be built with young people to stop them getting involved in incidents like the Bonfire Night disorder.

    "We need much more youth workers, we can't rely on services or teachers or even you know there's always that 'well the parents need to do more'," he says.

    "What we need is other young people helping young people. We need to actually understand the pressures and the challenges young people are under."

    He adds that the majority of young people who get involved in this type of activity do not need criminal justice measures brought against them.

    "Unless we're listening, unless we're trying to pre-empt this activity and get involved with it well before it actually happens, all we will be doing is chasing our tail on it," he says.

  6. Residents 'disturbed' after groups of young people threw 'industrial-strength' fireworks - councillorpublished at 16:50 Greenwich Mean Time 6 November 2023

    Jon Molyneux

    Sticking with Glasgow, police attended an incident involving fireworks in the southside near Maxwell Square Park last night - there were no injuries and inquiries are ongoing.

    Pollokshields councillor Jon Molyneux, of the Scottish Greens, tells the BBC he has seen footage of groups of young people throwing "industrial-strength" fireworks at each other across the street.

    He says there have been similar issues in the area in the past and the community has worked with the emergency services to combat disorder. There was a feeling progress had been made, he says, but that last night felt like a "step backwards".

    "Once again we saw industrial-strength fireworks being let off in the streets - fireworks being effectively used as weapons and aimed at groups who were firing and throwing fireworks at each other across the street," he says.

    "That intimidates people - there are a range of people with different needs in this community. People are clearly disturbed and felt intimidated by what's going on."

    Cllr Molyneux says there has been a strong police presence in the area in recent years but that was lacking last night - and there was frustration among constituents. He wants the UK government to "look seriously" at restricting the sale of fireworks.

  7. 'All fireworks should be banned' says community campaignerpublished at 16:32 Greenwich Mean Time 6 November 2023

    Drivetime with John Beattie
    BBC Radio Scotland

    The fallout from last night's violence, particularly in Niddrie in Edinburgh, continues to dominate the headlines.

    In Glasgow Community Fireworks Campaigner Danny Phillips tells Radio Scotland's Drivetime "industrial-size fireworks" were being fired across his community.

    "It's loud it's frightening...it's not pleasant.

    "We lived through a firework riot in 2018," he says adding: "It's terrifying. It's not a nice thing to live through".

    "All fireworks should be banned," says Mr Phillips.

    There should only be organised professional displays he insists.

    He says most of the professionals use silent fireworks and provide artistic displays and a ban works in many other countries and he doesn't see why it wouldn't work here in Scotland.

    "Something really needs to be done about this," he says.

  8. 'Atomic Bomb' among fireworks involved in Niddrie disorder - PA news agencypublished at 16:13 Greenwich Mean Time 6 November 2023

    Niddrie

    A clean-up has been taking place in the Niddrie area of Edinburgh after last night's disorder.

    Parts of the Hay Avenue area had clear scorch marks and it was still littered with debris on Monday, according to the PA news agency.

    Boxes of spent fireworks had also been discarded on a grass common close by with names such as Atomic Bomb.

    Some of the brands of fireworks used can cost up to £200.

  9. Coming up on Drivetime...published at 15:52 Greenwich Mean Time 6 November 2023

    Drivetime with John Beattie
    BBC Radio Scotland

    Radio Scotland's Drivetime with John Beattie will be reflecting on a night of anti social behaviour on Bonfire Night in Scotland.

    We'll hear community voices from the Niddrie area of Edinburgh where youths aimed fireworks at the police.

    Also on this afternoon's programme the Scottish Police Federation will give their view, the minister of the Niddrie Community Church will be on and the team have put a bid in with the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit.

    It all begins at 16:00 and you can listen here on the live page with us.

  10. What are the Scottish government saying today?published at 15:28 Greenwich Mean Time 6 November 2023

    Siobhian Brown

    Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown tells Radio Scotland's Lunchtime Live her thoughts go out to the emergency workers who were attacked: "The scenes from last night were absolutely appalling and this behaviour is totally unacceptable."

    Ms Brown says there has been an increase in violence this year and adds the Scottish government are keen to work with all the emergency services.

    The minister points out that a total ban on fireworks is not within the purview of the Scottish government.

    She says she would encourage local authorities to adopt firework control zones for next year.

    Returning to the disorder in Niddrie, the minister says the attacks were encouraged and co-ordinated by adults.

    "Justice has to be brought into line with these offences because they are totally unacceptable," she says.

  11. 'These were horrible, cowardly attacks'published at 15:01 Greenwich Mean Time 6 November 2023

    The worst of last night's violence was in the Niddrie area of Edinburgh, where a group of 50 youths threw fireworks and petrol bombs at riot police.

    Conservative Councillor Tim Jones, who represents Niddrie, tells Radio Scotland's Lunchtime Live his thoughts go out to the police officers who were attacked: "These were horrible, cowardly attacks and as I say my thoughts go out to them."

    He says: "I'm actually heartbroken by these events because I know how hard police officers have worked under the outstanding leadership of the chief inspector."

    He adds he thinks there are complex reasons for why the pre-meditated attacks took place and "they do not represent the people of Niddrie".

  12. These are orchestrated attacks on us, says Scottish fire servicepublished at 14:41 Greenwich Mean Time 6 November 2023

    David Farries

    David Farries Assistant Chief Officer at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service says the attacks on firefighters and emergency service workers is "unacceptable".

    He told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland earlier that Edinburgh last night was an "extreme example", but says they've had everything ranging from fires in the middle of the road to crews ambushed and attached with fireworks.

    "We used to believe that some of the attacks were because we were ruining someone’s night," he said.

    "But we’re moving towards a level of orchestrated and planned attacks on emergency service crews.

    "Unfortunately we have a minority who are using this as an opportunity to get their hands on explosive devices and attack emergency service workers."

  13. What do we know so far?published at 14:22 Greenwich Mean Time 6 November 2023

    • Police Scotland has said officers faced "unprecedented levels of violence" in organised Bonfire Night clashes in various Scottish cities.
    • The most serious disorder took place in the Niddrie area of Edinburgh, where a group of 50 youths threw fireworks and petrol bombs at riot police.
    • Police vehicles were damaged with bricks in Dundee while in Glasgow, officers were called to youths fighting and throwing fireworks. In total, eight police officers received minor injuries in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
    • During an interview with the BBC News on Monday, Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs said the actions of adults were "orchestrated" - and that some had been caught on camera directing children to commit crimes, which was tantamount to "child abuse".
    • Asked why the incidents occurred, ACC Mairs said there were "specific issues within specific localities".
    • Few people have been taken into custody but more arrests are likely in the coming days - police are now going through evidence, have images of 40 people and are working to identify them.
    • First Minister Humza Yousaf said there had been "disgraceful scenes of fireworks misuse" in parts of Scotland.
    • There has been cross-party condemnation of the violence with some politicians calling for an outright ban on the sale of fireworks - including SNP MP for Edinburgh East Tommy Sheppard and Edinburgh council leader Cammy Day.
    • Speaking to BBC News, one fireworks company defended the sale of pyrotechnics, but says the industry supports raising the legal age for purchasing them.
  14. 'I was terrified, It was a nightmare'published at 13:55 Greenwich Mean Time 6 November 2023

    Liz Jack says it has been 100 times worse this year
    Image caption,

    Liz Jack says the attacks in Niddrie have been 100 times worse this year

    Liz Jack, who has lived in the area since 2016, said she was “terrified” during the attacks and told BBC Scotland it was “100 times worse” this year.

    “I don’t hold anybody responsible except the idiots that were doing it. That’s all. Because everything we have tried to get things done, it just doesn’t work and as soon as it comes they just go mad.

    “I was peering out my window and there were fireworks going across and down the street so they were actually firing them at each other as well.

    “It was a nightmare.”

    Ms Jack backed calls for a ban on the sale of fireworks to individuals.

    “I think they should ban them personally but they should also only have organised displays and that way you don’t get any of this trouble,” she said.

  15. 'You’re putting children into harm’s way'published at 13:39 Greenwich Mean Time 6 November 2023

    Police Scotland sign at Edinburgh police stationImage source, Getty Images

    Police Scotland is now formally appealing for information following the "unprecedented levels of violence" last night.

    For the disorder in Edinburgh they have set up a Major Incident Public Portal, external that people can use to send information directly to the police.

    ACC Tim Mairs said: “As part of our operation we deployed a large number of evidence gathering officers.

    “From that we’ve identified a number of vehicles and a number of adults who have been moving around the Niddrie area and actively supplying fireworks to children and been involved in the co-ordination.

    “And that to me at the end of the day is child abuse. That’s what’s happening. You’re putting children into harm’s way.

    "You’re putting them into a position where they are going to obtain a criminal record and significantly detriment their future and that’s unacceptable.”

  16. Cross party condemnation of last night's violencepublished at 13:12 Greenwich Mean Time 6 November 2023

    First Minister Humza Yousaf described the scenes from last night as "disgraceful" and said those responsible should "feel the full force of the law".

    Scottish Conservative justice spokesperson Russell Findlay said: “Police officers and firefighters should not have to accept they they’ll be targeted every year."

    Edinburgh Scottish Labour MSP Daniel Johnson said "enough is enough".

    "Police attacked with fireworks and petrol bombs - this is not acceptable. November 5 cannot be licence to riot and attack the police," he said.

  17. Police officers injured by petrol bombs and fireworkspublished at 12:50 Greenwich Mean Time 6 November 2023

    Media caption,

    Bonfire Night: Police officers injured in night of violence

    If you're just joining us, here's the latest video we have of the violence that took place last night in Scotland.

    Eight police officers have been injured in what police described as organised Bonfire Night clashes.

    The most serious disorder took place in the Niddrie area of Edinburgh, where a group of 50 youths threw fireworks and petrol bombs at riot police.

    Police Scotland said eight officers suffered minor injuries during "unprecedented levels of violence" across the country.

    The leader of Edinburgh City Council, Cammy Day, has called for a ban on the sale of fireworks to the public.

    And First Minister Humza Yousaf said there had been "disgraceful scenes of fireworks misuse" in parts of Scotland, particularly in Niddrie.

    In Pollokshields, Glasgow, fireworks were set off in the street next to several homes.

  18. 'Police are committed to arresting people involved'published at 12:30 Greenwich Mean Time 6 November 2023

    ACC Mairs says very few people have been taken into custody so far, as their priorities last night were to protect the public and their officers.

    He adds there was one arrest made in Glasgow and another in Edinburgh.

    "Sometimes in a dynamic situation like this you increase the risk by going forward and trying to arrest people," he says.

    "That's why as part of the operation we deploy a large number of evidence gathering teams who record and capture the evidence."

    ACC Mairs says the police are now going through that evidence, already have images of 40 peoples faces and are working to identify them.

    "Just because we didn't make arrests last night doesn't mean that we're not going to make arrests," he adds.

    "Last year we made very few arrests on the night at Kirkton and in Edinburgh but actually in accumulation we arrested and charged over 60 people in relation to that and we're committed to doing the same this year."

  19. Why are these attacks happening?published at 12:24 Greenwich Mean Time 6 November 2023

    acc mairs

    Reporter Hope Webb asks about what lies behind these incidents and why they occur.

    "There are specific issues within specific localities in Scotland," replies ACC Tim Mairs.

    "At this time of year we rely very heavily on our specialist officers to provide that protective service."

    ACC Mairs stresses the importance of community officers working with intelligence officers.

  20. Viewpoint: People love fireworks - business ownerpublished at 12:20 Greenwich Mean Time 6 November 2023

    The owner of a fireworks company has defended the sale of pyrotechnics, but says the industry supports raising the legal age for purchasing them.

    Norman Donald, from NJE Firework Displays in Aberdeen, tells BBC Radio Scotland's Mornings programme that fireworks are enjoyed responsibly by thousands of law-abiding citizens every year, and should not be blamed for the few who misuse fireworks.

    "These people should be punished by the law," he says. "It's yobs using fireworks, they use petrol bombs, bricks - they throw anything they can get their hands on.

    "We've tried to make it more difficult for them to get their hands on the explosives. We've tried to raise the age that you can legally can buy fireworks but unfortunately the Scottish government wouldn't help the fireworks industry raise that age."

    He adds "People love fireworks. They raise thousands and thousands of pounds for local charities."