‘Notable reduction’ in Bonfire Night disruption

Police say there was a “notable” reduction in Bonfire Night disorder with the number of calls received down by 37% across Scotland.

Between 31 October and 5 November, 833 calls needed a local or specialist response, almost 500 fewer than last year.

A major police operation took place at known Bonfire Night troublespots across the country in an attempt to avoid a repeat of disorder seen in previous years.

Police said two people were arrested on Wednesday evening, while 25 Dispersal Orders were issued in Edinburgh – with a further 20 in Glasgow.

This year, Firework Control Zones (FCZs) are in place in three areas of Glasgow and nine in Edinburgh over the Bonfire Night period.

On Wednesday, fireworks were thrown at emergency services vehicles and one person was injured after a firework hit a car in Clydebank.

In Blackridge, West Lothian, a fire engine was targeted with missiles while on Netherton Road in Glasgow a police vehicle was damaged.

There have been no reports of any injuries to officers or other emergency services personnel over the last week.

In Edinburgh, officers were called to reports relating to anti-social behaviour and youths throwing fireworks within the Calder Road and Sighthill Park areas at around 17:30.

However, police said those involved dispersed when officers arrived and there were no more serious offences.

In Clydebank, officers were called to reports of fireworks being thrown towards shops and vehicles in Dumbarton Road at about 20:00.

One man suffered a minor injury to his shoulder after a rear window of the vehicle he was travelling in was smashed by a firework, however he did not need any hospital treatment.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service dealt with almost 700 emergency calls throughout the evening.

Over the past few weeks, police seized more than two tonnes of illegal fireworks that intelligence suggested were intended for use in disorder.

This included £25,000 worth of fireworks seized from an address in Cleland, North Lanarkshire, on Tuesday.

A 33-year-old man has been charged in relation to the seizure, which included a four-figure sum of cash.

Police Scotland last week launched Operation Moonbeam, its annual public order response to violence and disorder around Bonfire Night.

More specialist resources were deployed and some officers were equipped with body-worn videos.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, gold commander for Operation Moonbeam, said: “First and foremost, I want to offer my thanks to the public across Scotland for their overwhelming support of our policing response and for working closely with us to make this a successful operation.

“While police were required to deploy into various areas and address certain incidents arising, there has been a notable and welcome reduction in both the number of serious disorder offences occurring, and the level of violence and hostility directed towards police officers, firefighters, and ambulance crews.

“There will be follow-up criminal inquiries undertaken in relation to some of the offences that took place, and I want to make it clear again that the criminal use of fireworks will not be tolerated.”

He said the police had been encouraged by the level of positive engagement they had had with local communities over the past few months which had helped shape policing plans as well as providing “vital intelligence” that had led to some significant fireworks recoveries.

“I am grateful to all of the partners and stakeholders who worked alongside us in the planning and delivery of Operation Moonbeam, and to each and every officer and member of staff whose dedication and professionalism have made this a successful policing operation,” he added.

This year, FCZs are in place in three areas of Glasgow – Pollokshields, Govanhill and Broomhouse – in a bid to curb disorder over the Bonfire Night period.

Within the zones, it is a criminal offence for a member of the public to set off a firework from 1 November to 10 November.

Police Scotland is enforcing the restrictions and anyone found breaching them can face up to six months in prison and a fine of up to £5,000.

FCZs came into force in Edinburgh in nine areas of the city on 31 October and will be in place until 9 November.

They cover Balerno, Calton Hill, Corstorphine, Gracemount, Longstone, Moredun, Niddrie, Seafield and Sighthill.

Officers in Edinburgh carried out 34 stop and searches under the Section 60 policing powers implemented for Bonfire Night.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s head of prevention, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff, and all emergency responders across Scotland, for their tireless efforts during this busy and challenging period.

“The bonfire season is always our busiest period of the year and presents us with some unique challenges in terms of keeping our staff and communities safe.

“Thank you also to our communities for following our key safety guidance and for respecting our staff. Their support is invaluable in allowing us to be there for those who need our help the most.”