Edinburgh's Bonfire Night Descends into Chaos as Youths Assault Police with Bricks and Fireworks

Police Scotland reported that officers in the city responded to multiple cases of youth disorder on Tuesday 5th November.

Last night on Bonfire Night, Edinburgh experienced alarming incidents as groups of young individuals launched attacks on police officers using bricks and fireworks.

Police Scotland reported that officers in the city responded to multiple cases of youth disorder in areas such as Niddrie, Sighthill, and Moredun.

In light of the antisocial behavior, Lothian Buses suspended several services throughout the city.

A video shot on Niddrie Mains Road captured large groups of youths directing fireworks at police officers and throwing objects at police vans.

🚨🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿WATCH👇Footage showing the situation in Niddrie near Edinburgh last night, showing fireworks being launched directly at a line of police vans. pic.twitter.com/QIx8MGdaym

— The Fact Journal (@thefactjournal_) November 6, 2024

Traffic on the road was halted for about an hour as police urged the public to vacate the area.

As the night progressed, numerous youths gathered on Niddrie Mains Road, leading to the deployment of police in riot gear to quell the chaos.

In one video, at least 20 youths were seen charging down the street, with one individual jumping on a car's windshield and another smashing it with a shovel, all while others looked on.

Additional footage showed damage inflicted on new vehicles at a car dealership, where youths armed with bats and clubs stormed the Hyundai lot on Calder Road.

Eyewitnesses reported bins being hurled onto the street and fireworks being aimed at cars and a petrol station, as dozens of officers moved to restore order.

Police leaders stated that specialized units were assisting local officers in Niddrie in response to reports of vehicles being pelted with objects, with the police helicopter also deployed.

We're using Sect 60 of the Criminal Justice & Public Order Act in Niddrie & Craigentinny tonight to deter fireworks offences.

We can stop & search to identify dangerous instruments or weapons, if we believe there's a possibility of serious violence or disorder occurring. pic.twitter.com/UrdrmYhHj6

— Police Scotland Edinburgh (@PSOSEdinburgh) October 31, 2024

This year, there have been 18 such deployments during the same period, with firework-related incidents remaining steady.

However, the number of injured officers has decreased significantly.

In contrast, last year saw a total of 62 officers across Scotland sustain injuries while being targeted with projectiles.