‘Unprecedented levels of violence’: Young ‘thugs’ throw petrol bombs and fireworks at police

Fireworks have been thrown at riot police in Edinburgh in “Bonfire Night-related disruption”.

Dozens of young people gathered in Niddrie, a suburb of the Scottish capital, just before 5pm on Sunday in a repeat of disorder seen last year.

Petrol bombs were lobbed at police officers, who were subjected to repeated attacks during the standoff.

Perpetrators were branded “thugs” – and Police Scotland said its staff were subject to “unprecedented levels of violence”.

Eight officers suffered minor injuries as a result of unrest in both Edinburgh and Glasgow, and “only a small number of arrests” have been made so far.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs said: “The overwhelming majority of Scotland enjoyed Bonfire Night safely and responsibly, but once again, a minority of individuals have been responsible for an unacceptable and frankly, disgusting level of disorder that left communities alarmed and police officers injured.”

He added: “The violent nature of the situation witnessed in the Niddrie area of Edinburgh is extremely concerning, not least because it is believed young people were being actively encouraged and coordinated by adults to target officers while they carried out their duties.”

Drone footage showed a line of police officers with riot shields standing in front of vans with blue lights flashing.

A mob of young people clad in black gathered on grass in front of them, and began throwing pyrotechnics.

The police retreated as a petrol bomb hit the ground in front of them and fireworks exploded.

The assault continued, with missiles forcing police to shuffle backwards.

The officers then ran at the assailants, in footage filmed from a nearby sports centre.

Last year, motorbike gangs terrorised Niddrie on Bonfire Night while fireworks were thrown.

In 2018, Police Scotland set up Operation Moonbeam to tackle Bonfire Night chaos – and on Tuesday, riot police were on the ground in Dundee after children as young as 10 set off fireworks.