Police in Scotland responded to 144 firework-related calls on Halloween, with fireworks thrown at people, buildings and vehicles across the country. Officers said that while most communities showed “outstanding behaviour and co-operation,” they vowed to catch those responsible for disorder.
Incidents reported across Scotland
Reports on October 31 included fireworks being lit in the street and some thrown at members of the public in Glasgow, Tranent in East Lothian and Bonnyrigg in Midlothian. Police said inquiries to identify those involved were ongoing.
The number of firework-related calls was down on last year, when there were 160 on October 31. Firework control zones, where it is an offence to set off fireworks, are in place in 14 areas in Edinburgh and four in Glasgow until early November, and dispersal zones are in force in some places.
Operation Moonbeam response
Operation Moonbeam, which runs up to the evening of November 5, allows police to call on specially trained officers to deal with violence and disorder. Seven dispersal orders were issued in Edinburgh, and work was ongoing to establish the number issued in Glasgow that relate to the operation.
Chief Superintendent David Robertson, gold commander for Operation Moonbeam, said: “The overwhelming majority of Scotland’s communities have celebrated Halloween in the proper spirit and I’m really grateful for the support of our efforts tonight to deter criminality, respond to reports of disorder and protect the public and emergency services from harm.”
Police condemn unacceptable behaviour
He added: “Sadly, however, we have again experienced incidents of fireworks used as projectiles at buildings, vehicles and members of the public. I will say again, this type of behaviour is completely unacceptable and has to stop before there are serious consequences.”
“Investigations into these offences will be launched immediately to identify those responsible and bring them to justice. But I want to recognise and celebrate the outstanding behaviour and co-operation most of those within our communities have demonstrated tonight.”
There were no reports of officers involved in the operation on Saturday being injured. On Saturday officers in Edinburgh responded to a report of a disturbance at a house party in Ratho, but it was found that the incident was not related to the criminal or antisocial use of fireworks.
