Dangerous use of fireworks wreaked havoc across the country last night as police officers and pedestrians were targeted with the rockets.
Typically considered a night for wrapping up against the cold and enjoying the sights of bonfires and colourful firework displays, last night's Bonfire Night (5 November) was instead described by some members of the public as a 'warzone'.
Advert
Across the country, police were called out to a number of incidents of anti-social behaviour.
In Edinburgh, people were urged to stay indoors as a fire was lit in the middle of a street and a group of motorcyclists drove through the city launching fireworks along the ground, seemingly without any concern for the pedestrians and vehicles around them.
Specialist officers were sent to the Niddrie area of the city amid reports ‘of various incidents including anti-social use of fireworks, a break-in to a shop and road blockages’.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland advised members of the public to avoid the area, adding: "A police vehicle has also been struck with a bottle containing a flammable substance – however, no damage was sustained and no injuries were reported.
Advert
"A robust police presence will be in place to address the ongoing issues and keep the public safe.
"Residents within Niddrie are asked to remain indoors and not hinder the ongoing emergency service response.’
Meanwhile, police in Liverpool confirmed in a statement on Twitter that 'eight people [had been] detained after reports of fireworks being thrown at cars, criminal damage and obstruction of the road near to Princes Park'.
Officers received reports at around 8pm of young people close to the roundabout by Princes Park ‘throwing lit fireworks towards cars, setting fire to wheelie bins, and causing obstructions in the road’.
Advert
One officer sustained a slight injury, and damage was caused to police cars and a bus as the events unfolded.
Addressing the chaos in a statement, Chief Inspector Duncan Swan branded the behaviour as 'dangerous'.
"This reckless behaviour caused a great deal of distress to road users in the area, and resulted in damage to bins and vehicles, and an injury to one of our officers," he said.
"Such dangerous behaviour can cause danger and risk injuries, and we’ll investigate thoroughly to ensure all of those we can identify and brought to account."
In Leeds, riot police were filmed being attacked with fireworks on the Thornville Street area, with members of the public describing rockets exploding on the streets around their homes.
Advert
"It’s a f*cking warzone outside our house," one person said.
West Yorkshire Police sent officers equipped with helmets and shields to disperse those causing chaos in the streets.
Emily Brown