Police begin fireworks crackdown after violent Bonfire Night attacks

Police Scotland has said it is ready to put “more resources than ever” into tackling violent incidents around Bonfire Night.

Anti-social behaviour and public disorder have blighted Bonfire Night celebrations for the past few years and senior officers have vowed to catch and prosecute anyone using fireworks to target emergency services and the public.

The annual campaign – codenamed Operation Moonbeam – starts on Monday and will bring a heavier response from police.

In 2023, more than 60 police officers were injured, many after coming under attack with fireworks and petrol bombs.

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.

From Monday, public order officers will use body-worn cameras to gather evidence and identify suspects during any incidents.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs said that while last year’s operation had seen a reduction in serious incidents, there was still “concerning levels of violence and disorder” in parts of Glasgow and Edinburgh.

He added: “Over the last couple of years, police officers in particular have been faced with petrol bombs and also with industrial-sized fireworks.

“When we talk about fireworks we think of pretty things that light up the sky – but these are large, essentially explosives, often being fired horizontally at police officers.

“The impact of the noise on their hearing, but also the risk of being hit by one of these and being burnt or injured, is really significant.

“Over the years of Operation Moonbeam we have seen really serious injuries, not just to police officers and firefighters, but also to members of the public who have in some cases been really quite seriously injured by fireworks.”

The operation also includes Scottish Fire and Rescue officers, who responded to 370 incidents across Scotland on Bonfire Night last year.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour told BBC Scotland News his crews came under attack nine times in eight hours while responding to incidents.

He said: “It’s unacceptable. People shouldn’t have to go to their work in an evening and feel under attack.

“Any damage to equipment or fire appliances simply stops us providing an emergency response and service to those at greatest need within our communities.”

Fireworks Control Zones will also be used in Glasgow and Edinburgh between 31 October and 9 November, making it illegal for the public to set off fireworks within certain areas.

The measures were first introduced only in Edinburgh last year and will now cover nine areas in the capital and three in Glasgow.

One of the Edinburgh zones covers Niddrie – the scene of unprecedented levels of violence in 2023 when heavy-duty pyrotechnics were fired at lines of riot police.

A new zone in Glasgow covers Pollokshields, where youths lit fires in the street and put fireworks beneath vehicles in 2024.

Local councillor Jon Molyneux said: “There were aiming them at each other and at passing cars. So this is definitely a community that feels the concerns around that misuse very acutely.”

He added that residents had felt threatened at the time but a major community effort is under way to prevent disturbances this year.

“I think people are hopeful,” he said. “There has been a number of partners working together over a number of months to put plans in place.”

Alongside the focus on reducing violent incidents, emergency services and politicians have also been working with schools and communities to spread safety messages.

The Scottish government’s community safety minister, Siobhian Brown, said: “Most people enjoy Bonfire Night. It’s a great family event with sparklers and fireworks.

“If anybody wants to have an event in their garden, I would advise them to please do it safely. Look at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website, where we’ve got lots of information.

“Enjoy it, but be responsible, be safe and please look out for each other.”