Emergency services were targeted with fireworks, missiles and bricks during Bonfire Night disorder across the UK, with riot police deployed to a town near Newcastle and one arrest made in Glasgow.
Disorder in North Shields
Riot police descended on Meadow Well in North Shields after officers were attacked while responding to what Northumbria Police described as 'pre-arranged' disorder. The force said it had been subjected to bricks, missiles and fireworks being thrown at them.
Northumbria Police said the violence related to 'misinformation in the community' about reports of a house in multiple occupation (HMO). Police and the region's mayor said these reports were false, as the site is planned for use as a supermarket.
Glasgow and Edinburgh incidents
In Glasgow, police and ambulance crews were targeted with fireworks as they responded to reports of an injured man in Greenside Street, Provanmill, at around 7.55pm. A police vehicle was set alight and seriously damaged, and one ambulance staff member sustained a minor injury. A man was arrested following the deployment of Operation Amberlight specialist resources.
In Edinburgh's Colinton area, youths torched bins and launched fireworks at police and firefighters on Oxgangs Road North, with no injuries reported. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service extinguished several small fires in bins and a park.
Official responses
Northumbria Police issued a statement condemning the behaviour as 'completely unacceptable' and said it was working to identify those responsible. North East Mayor Kim McGuinness called those involved 'idiots', saying: "This dangerous misinformation and the way it spreads needs to be tackled and the stupidity has to stop - there is no excuse for it."
Police Scotland said inquiries were ongoing and officers maintained a presence in the affected areas.
