Youth chaos erupts in Edinburgh during guy fawkes night
In Edinburgh, riots erupted, instigated by groups of youths who brutally disturbed the peace of residents. Masked hooligans started bonfires in the streets, set trash containers on fire, and launched fireworks at passing vehicles. Police, riot units, and a helicopter quickly arrived on the scene.
6:57 AM EST, November 6, 2024
On the night from Tuesday to Wednesday in Edinburgh, violent riots related to Guy Fawkes Night celebrations occurred. The events took place in a residential area in the Niddrie district, where fully equipped police, supported by a helicopter, were called to suppress the aggression of the youth groups.
Police in full mobilization
The first reports of incidents appeared around 1:45 PM (ET), when fireworks were thrown towards vehicles on Niddrie Mains Road. One firecracker exploded on the road. Due to the threat, the police quickly closed nearby streets and began directing traffic away from the hazardous area, using the police helicopter's light to illuminate the riot zone.
According to witnesses, the situation quickly spiraled out of control when young people began throwing fireworks at passing cars and bricks at the police, in addition to setting trash bins on fire. Some participants recorded the events on their phones, further fueling the chaotic atmosphere.
Footage from the scene shows police chasing a group of young people. At one point, there was a tense confrontation during which officers subdued one of the riot participants. Unfortunately, the riots also affected random passersby who unknowingly found themselves in the midst of the chaos.
In response to the situation, police formed a line along the street and began dispersing the crowd until the gathered youth were eventually surrounded and forced to leave the area. However, that was not the end.
At one point, officers, under attack from fireworks, retreated to police vans, which were then directed back to the site. After the units left the area, witnesses heard voices suggesting that the youth might refrain from further attacks following the police departure. Unfortunately, the aggression quickly intensified, and fireworks were again launched towards civilians.
Residents were warned to avoid the affected areas, with clashes spreading to the Gilmerton and Sighthill districts. Reports also indicated that riots occurred in Moredun and Gracemount, leading to the closure of Gracemount Drive and police directing traffic to other areas.
Politicians respond to the escalation of violence
Edinburgh MP Ian Murray described these incidents as "shameful and unacceptable," especially considering the violence also occurred a few days earlier during Halloween celebrations. Chief Superintendent David Robertson emphasized that the police would try to find the culprits. He recalled that during the Halloween riots, officers were attacked with fireworks and other objects, and one officer was injured when a brick hit the patrol car window.
Acts of vandalism also targeted local buses. Following this incident, a 14-year-old boy was arrested and charged in connection with the dangerous use of fireworks.
An annual problem highlighted by the police
David Robertson expressed his frustration, noting that such incidents are becoming an almost annual "tradition" in Niddrie.
- I think Niddrie has become a sort of flashpoint. It seems like a time when attacking the police is acceptable, - added Robertson.
The police chief also noted that similar acts of aggression occurred during Bonfire Night in 2022 and 2023, when many rioters came to Niddrie from other parts of Edinburgh and its surroundings.
The Leader of Edinburgh City Council, Cammy Day, expressed deep concern about the situation, stating that he is "shocked and saddened" by the violence, which he believes undermines the family nature of events like Halloween.
