Youth riots engulf Edinburgh as fireworks turn violent
In Edinburgh, riots erupted as groups of youths violently disturbed the peace of residents. Masked hooligans started bonfires in the streets, set rubbish bins alight, and launched fireworks at passing vehicles. Police, riot units, and a helicopter arrived on the scene promptly.
On the night of Tuesday into Wednesday in Edinburgh, violent riots related to Guy Fawkes Night celebrations took place. The events unfolded in a residential area in the Niddrie district, where police in full gear, supported by a helicopter, were called to quell the aggression of youth groups.
Police in full mobilisation
The first reports of incidents emerged around 6:45 PM (GMT), when fireworks began being thrown at vehicles on Niddrie Mains Road. One of the fireworks exploded on the road. Responding to the threat, the police promptly closed nearby streets and redirected traffic away from the dangerous area, using the police helicopter's light to illuminate the riot zone.
According to witnesses, the situation quickly spiralled out of control when young people began throwing fireworks towards passing cars and bricks at the police and setting fire to rubbish bins. Some participants recorded the events on their phones, further fueling the chaos.
Footage from the scene shows, among other things, police pursuing a group of youths. At one point, there was a tense confrontation, during which one of the rioters was overpowered by officers blocking the way. Unfortunately, the riots also affected random passersby who unwittingly found themselves caught in the centre of events.
In response to the situation, police formed a line along the street and began dispersing the crowd until the gathered youths were eventually surrounded and forced to leave the site. However, that was not the end.
At one point, officers, attacked with fireworks, retreated to police vans, which were then sent back to the site. After the units left the area, witnesses heard suggestions that the youths would likely refrain from further attacks after the police departure. Unfortunately, the aggression quickly intensified, and fireworks were once again launched towards civilians.
Residents were warned to avoid areas affected by the clashes, which spread to the Gilmerton and Sighthill districts. Reports also indicated that riots occurred in Moredun and Gracemount, where Gracemount Drive was closed, and police directed traffic to other areas.
Politicians respond to the escalation of violence
Edinburgh MP Ian Murray described the incidents as "shameful and unacceptable" given the escalation of violence, which had also occurred a few days earlier during Halloween celebrations. Chief Superintendent David Robertson emphasised that police would make every effort 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 struck 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 focal point, in truth. It feels as though that’s why – it’s almost become an anniversary type position, where it’s to attack police in Niddrie – added Robertson.
The police chief also reminded that similar acts of aggression occurred during Bonfire Night in 2022 and 2023, when it turned out that many of the 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.
