Moment riot police are targeted by fireworks as Bonfire Night tensions rise

This is the shocking moment riot police officers were targeted by fireworks in Gilmerton, a suburb of Edinburgh, on Bonfire Night.

Connor Gillies, Sky News Scotland correspondent, shared a brief clip on X, showing riot police standing in the middle of the street before fireworks were lobbed at officers.

The fireworks can first be seen exploding in the distance before multiple explosions take place much closer to the police officers lined up on the street in front of several police vans.

The Express has reached out to Police Scotland for comment.

Ian Murray, Scottish Secretary who is also the MP for Edinburgh South, called the scenes in Gilmerton “disgraceful and unacceptable”. He added: “We must stop the sale of fireworks to those who wish to use this time of year to cause havoc on our streets.”

EdinburghLive reported that Police Scotland have responded to multiple reports of fireworks being “thrown at vehicles” in the Scottish capital.

The force said that specialist resources were assisting local officers in the Niddrie area of Edinburgh following reports of vehicles being targeted with projectiles.

A police helicopter was also seen circling around.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Moonbeam resources are assisting local officers in the Niddrie area following reports of youths throwing fireworks at vehicles. Niddrie Main Road is currently closed between Duddingston Road West and Duddingston Park South. The public are asked to avoid the area.

The force added that there were no immediate reports of injuries, and enquiries were ongoing. They also said: “If you have information about planned criminal activity involving fireworks this evening, please contact us 101. If you wish to report an ongoing crime then dial 999.”

Police Scotland also confirmed that officers have been given the power to execute stop and search orders in three Edinburgh communities on November 5 – Niddrie, Moredun and Gracemount.

The three areas have been hotspots for trouble in recent years during Bonfire Night.

Some bus services have also been suspended in the affected areas with residents urged to plan ahead.