Scottish justice secretary 'open to discussion' on firework sale ban after Bonfire Night disorder
Emergency crews came under attack on Sunday in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee. In the Niddrie area of Edinburgh, petrol bombs and fireworks were thrown at riot police.
Tuesday 7 November 2023 16:12, UK
Scotland's justice secretary has said she is "open to discussion" on a ban on the sale of fireworks to the public following widespread disorder on Bonfire Night.
Police and firefighters clashed with large groups on Sunday - with fireworks and petrol bombs thrown and 21 crimes being committed, Angela Constance said.
The emergency crews came under attack in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee.
The worst disorder took place in the Niddrie area of Scotland's capital.
A large group of youths and adults gathered on Hay Avenue in a repeat of disorder seen last year in the neighbourhood.
Police said around 50 youngsters were responsible for launching fireworks, petrol bombs and other projectiles at buildings, vehicles and officers.
In Glasgow, around 20 youths were reportedly fighting and throwing fireworks within the Quarrywood Avenue area of Barmulloch.
Police Scotland said eight officers sustained minor injuries during the Edinburgh and Glasgow incidents.
Two arrests have reportedly been made so far in relation to fireworks disorder, according to community safety minister Siobhian Brown.
Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland on Tuesday, Ms Constance said she would be open to a ban on fireworks sales, although Scotland does not currently hold the powers to do so.
"I'm open-minded about it, open to discussion," she said.
"It's not within our powers for an outright ban, but open to discussion."
Her comments come in response to Edinburgh City Council leader Cammy Day, who said something would have to change before "someone is seriously, seriously injured".
Police Scotland said investigating officers do not believe the clashes were spontaneous.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs said: "Although many of those involved were youths, there were undoubtedly adults involved in orchestrating that behaviour."
Speaking at Holyrood later on Tuesday, community safety minister Ms Brown condemned the "totally despicable" violence as she expressed her gratitude to the emergency service workers involved.
"There [have] been two arrests so far and the police are looking at intelligence and there will be more arrests in the coming days," she said, under questioning from Conservative MSP Stephen Kerr.
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Adults 'undoubtedly involved' in orchestrating violent clashes
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Speaking on Monday, First Minister Humza Yousaf, who criticised the "thuggish" and "reckless" behaviour from those involved, said he would consider such a move if it was within the Scottish government's powers.
"But it shouldn't require the government to stop people throwing fireworks at fire officers, stopping them hurling bricks at our police officers," he added. "You don't need legislation to know that that is unacceptable."
Tam Baillie, former children and young people's commissioner, said cuts to youth services in deprived areas could have been a factor in the disorder.
But Ms Constance said: "I would dispute that, but the point that Mr Baillie makes about prevention is an important one and this government continues to invest in preventative services."
The justice secretary pointed to the CashBack for Communities programme, which redirects funds seized by police under the Proceeds of Crime Act to youth services, and the violence reduction framework as such investments.