Fireworks and bricks thrown at police and buses in Edinburgh
Police vehicles and buses have come under attack from a number of people throwing fireworks and missiles in Edinburgh.
Officers were called to reports of disorder involving fireworks around Hay Avenue in the Niddrie area of the city. People have been urged to avoid the area.
Last year, about 100 young people clashed with riot police with fireworks and petrol bombs being thrown directly at officers in the same area of Edinburgh, while there were similar incidents in Sighthill and Southhouse..
Lothian Buses confirmed it had withdrawn at least 10 bus services due to anti-social behaviour.
A spokesperson said: “Lothian adopt a zero-tolerance approach to all instances of antisocial behaviour.
“The safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and customers must be our main priority.”
A road closure has been put in place at the junction of Niddrie Mains Road and Duddingston Park South, and the junction of Niddrie Mains Road and Greendykes Road.
Police said officers were being supported to bring the situation under control.
The disorder broke out just hours before a new law banning the use of fireworks around Bonfire Night in certain parts of the city – including Niddrie – came into force.
The Firework Control Zone will run from 1to 10 November and anyone setting off a private firework during this period will be committing a criminal offence.
The Scottish government gave local authorities new powers to designate ‘firework control zones’ (FCZs) in 2022 following a major riot in Dundee.
City of Edinburgh Council became the first in Scotland to vote for implementing the measures in August.
It means no fireworks can be set off unless part of a licensed public display.
The council’s culture and communities committee voted against a zone covering the entire city.