As Bonfire Night approaches, several cities in Scotland are implementing fireworks bans in response to escalating violence and unrest observed during Halloween celebrations. The move comes after troubling incidents in Edinburgh and Dundee, where groups of young people targeted police with fireworks and other projectiles, leading to injuries among law enforcement.
Recent Unrest on Halloween
The situation escalated dramatically on Halloween, with police forces locking down neighborhoods in Edinburgh and Dundee as violent altercations broke out. In Dundee, officers were pelted with bottles and fireworks, particularly in the Kirkton area, where footage captured chaos as projectiles were thrown at police vehicles. In Edinburgh’s Niddrie area, similar scenes unfolded as bricks and fireworks were hurled at officers and public transport workers, resulting in injuries, including a female officer whose vehicle was struck by a brick.
Measures in Place for Bonfire Night
In light of these disturbances, various measures have been introduced to maintain public safety during Bonfire Night celebrations. Police Scotland has initiated Operation Moonbeam, a collaborative effort with Crimestoppers and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service aimed at curbing the illegal use of fireworks.
Dispersal Zones
In Edinburgh, the police have established dispersal zones effective from November 1 through November 5, encompassing areas such as Gorgie, Saughton, Oxgangs, Liberton, Gilmerton, Portobello, and Muirhouse, among others. Under these zones, officers possess the authority to disperse groups causing alarm or distress, with the potential for arrest should individuals defy police directions.
A Police Scotland spokesperson explained, “We use this power where we have reasonable grounds to believe that the presence or behaviour of a group of two or more people in any public place is causing, or likely to cause, alarm or distress to any members of the public.”
Control Zones and Enhanced Enforcement
Glasgow City Council announced plans for firework control zones but faced criticism for not meeting the implementation deadline. One proposed zone in Pollokshields was set to cover both public and private areas but has yet to take effect.
Moreover, police will employ Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, allowing them to stop and search individuals and vehicles to prevent serious violence or disorder associated with fireworks.
The Broader Context of Violence
Historically, Bonfire Night has seen a pattern of violence across various Scottish cities. Last year, 62 officers were injured during fireworks-related incidents. Notably, in the Barmulloch area of Glasgow, a “mass brawl” led to hospitalizations, including that of a police officer.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairns acknowledged the alarming trend of hostility faced by emergency services during these events, stating, “Sadly, what we saw last year were individuals acting criminally, targeting communities and targeting emergency service workers, and that was really unacceptable.”
Equipment and Safety Measures for Officers
In preparation for the upcoming Bonfire Night, Police Scotland has taken steps to enhance officer safety, particularly concerning noise-induced injuries. Approximately 10,000 sets of sound suppressors were acquired to protect against the loud sounds of fireworks. However, these were not distributed before the onset of Operation Moonbeam due to testing delays, leading to concerns among officers about their safety and protection during duty.
Mairns reassured the public that lessons from previous years have been taken to heart, promising that officers will have access to the necessary protective equipment during this year’s operations.
Community Responsibility
Siobhan Brown, the Minister for Victims and Community Safety, emphasized the crucial role of community awareness and responsibility in ensuring public safety during this festive period. “Our emergency service workers do such a vital job. It’s everyone’s responsibility that if you do know of any activity that could cause harm, please report it.”
As Scotland braces for Bonfire Night, the focus remains on maintaining safety and preventing violence, with authorities urging communities to enjoy the celebrations responsibly.
