Fireworks thrown at people on Halloween

But Police Scotland say behaviour was "generally excellent"

Author: Joe OdberPublished 16 hours ago

Fireworks have been thrown at people, buildings and vehicles in some parts of Scotland on Halloween

Police Scotland got 144 calls about fireworks on Saturday night - that's down on last year, when there were 160 calls on 31st October.

Officers said behaviour and co-operation were generally excellent across the country.

They also said they will work to identify those responsible for disorder.

Where fireworks were reported

There were reports of fireworks being set off in the street in Glasgow, Tranent in East Lothian and Bonnyrigg in Midlothian.

Some were thrown at members of the public.

Police said inquiries to identify those involved are continuing.

Control zones and dispersal orders

Firework control zones, where it is an offence to set off fireworks, are in place in 14 areas of Edinburgh and four in Glasgow until early November.

Dispersal zones are also in force in some places.

Seven dispersal orders were issued in Edinburgh.

Work is continuing to establish how many were issued in Glasgow in connection with Operation Moonbeam.

Operation Moonbeam runs until the evening of 5th November and allows police to call on specially trained officers to deal with violence and disorder.

Police response

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."

He said: "Sadly, however, we have again experienced incidents of fireworks used as projectiles at buildings, vehicles and members of the public."

He said: "I will say again, this type of behaviour is completely unacceptable and has to stop before there are serious consequences."

He said: "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."

He said: "Moonbeam resources will continue to support local policing teams all over the country throughout the next week wherever they are required and whenever reports of fireworks-related crime are received, we will respond swiftly and proportionately."

Officers and other callouts

There were no reports of officers involved in the operation being injured on Saturday.

Officers in Edinburgh also responded to a report of a disturbance at a house party in the Ratho area of the city.

Police found it was not related to the criminal or antisocial use of fireworks.

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