Bonfire Night unrest: Emergency services targeted with fireworks across Central Belt

Emergency services across Glasgow and Edinburgh have been deliberately targeted with fireworks during this year's Bonfire Night unrest, with incidents reported throughout the Central Belt. Police officers and fire crews responding to various calls have faced attacks with projectiles, causing damage to police vehicles, particularly in areas like Clydebank. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported so far, but the deliberate targeting has led to significant disruption and damage. In some places, such as parts of Central Scotland, bus services have been suspended due to ongoing anti-social behaviour. For example, Lothian Buses pulled services from Elm Grove, Ash Grove, and Broomhouse Road in Edinburgh following a series of disturbances that included fireworks being fired at buses and windows being smashed. One bus in Blackburn suffered a broken window after a firework struck it. In Edinburgh's Sighthill area, groups of young people have been seen throwing fireworks at each other, while police have deployed drones and helicopters to monitor a large gathering on Calder Road. To try and curb the chaos, nine fireworks control zones are currently active across the capital until November 9, covering areas like Balerno, Calton Hill, and Corstorphine. Glasgow has also set up zones in Pollokshields, Govanhill, and Broomhouse until November 10. As part of the intensified policing operation named Operation Moonbeam, officers have been granted stop and search powers since 3pm, aiming to reduce disturbances. Early indications suggest a drop in incidents compared to last year, though tensions remain high. Bonfire Night has a history of disorder and anti-social behaviour in parts of Scotland, with recent years seeing repeated problems. Last year alone, over 60 people were reported for fireworks offences, and during a four-week span, 46 individuals were treated in hospital for firework-related injuries—nearly half needed specialist treatment such as plastic surgery. Firefighter Debbie McCafferty recounted a terrifying experience last year in Carluke when her team came under attack while attending a bonfire. She described how an unexploded firework landed near a trainee firefighter's leg before detonating after they kicked it away—a harrowing moment that highlights the dangers emergency crews face. In response, Police Scotland is deploying more resources than ever to tackle firework-related crimes in 2025 under Operation Moonbeam. This includes specialist public order officers joining local divisions across the country. The enforcement efforts come after a particularly violent year in 2023, when about 50 young people clashed with police in Edinburgh, described as an unprecedented level of violence. Glasgow also saw a mass brawl in Barmulloch that sent four people, including a police officer, to hospital. In Dundee, new laws were introduced following major disorder in the Kirkton area in 2022 to try and prevent similar outbreaks. Despite ongoing challenges, authorities remain committed to reducing fireworks-related harm and restoring order during this traditionally volatile period.