Four more people have been arrested following disorder in Edinburgh during Bonfire Night.
A full criminal investigation into the incidents that arose during the evening of 5 November began the following day and as a result of these inquiries three further individuals were charged in connection with the disturbances on Calder Road that saw fireworks and projectiles thrown at the public, police officers and various busses.
A 16-year-old male was charged on Tuesday, 12 November, while two 17-year-old males were charged on Wednesday, 13 November.
All three will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 3 December.
A 15-year-old male was also arrested on Wednesday following incidents that took place on Captain’s Road, where projectiles were thrown at Public Order Officers. He will appear in court on an undertaking at a later date.
To date, 13 people have been charged, five homes searched, and two vehicles seized following the offences that took place between Halloween and Bonfire Night.
Further arrests are expected as inquiries continue.
Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said: “We want the arrests made so far to provide reassurance to our communities that we are committed to bringing all those responsible for the crimes that took place to justice.
“Equally, they should serve as a very real reminder to everyone who was involved that we are actively pursuing them, and they can expect a visit from us imminently.
“We still have lots of excellent CCTV footage and other evidence gathered on Halloween and Bonfire Night to go through and we are confident this will help us identify and charge more offenders in due course.
A 37-year-old man will spend the next 13 years in prison after he was sentenced for serious sexual offences, violence and abusive behaviour.
Anthony Gibson came to the attention of police in November 2020 when it was discovered he had abused two women.
Following initial inquiries, it was apparent Gibson had subjected other women to his abusive behaviour. His offences occurred in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Lanarkshire and Fife.
As a result of the ongoing enquiries, Gibson was arrested and charged in connection with serious sexual assaults, violence and abusive and controlling behaviour.
He was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow on Monday, 11 November, 2024.
Detective Inspector Frank Keegan : “Gibson is a prolific offender. I can only hope that the women he harmed take some solace in knowing he can no longer inflict his violent and abusive behaviour on them or any other women.
“It is incredibly difficult for anyone to stand up and confront an abuser and I would like to thank the women for their strength and resilience in speaking with us. I would encourage anyone who has been or is being subjected to violence and abuse to report it to us.”
Police Scotland has released images of a man officers believe may be able to assist with their investigation into an assault in Edinburgh city centre.
The incident took place on George Street around 1.20am on Sunday, 29 September, 2024.
The man is described as of average build, around 5ft 10ins, in his mid-20’s with medium length dark hair and a moustache. He was wearing a black hooded jacket, blue jeans and dark trainers with a brown over-the-shoulder bag.
Detective Sergeant Rob Finch, of Gayfield CID, said: “I would urge the man pictured, or anyone who has information relating to him, to contact the police.
“If you have any information that can assist with our investigation then please call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0294 of 29 September 2024. Alternatively, make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
POLICE Scotland have released an image of a man they wish to speak to who may be able to assist their enquiries into an assault which took place on Thursday 26 September 2024 at the Grassmarket.
The man is described as being white, slim build, approximately 6ft in height, with short red hair. He was wearing a grey tracksuit and a black jacket.
Detective Constable Mark Richmond said “ I would urge the man pictured or anyone who may recognise him or has information about this incident to contact us as soon as possible.”
Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1768 of 27 September 2024. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
Detectives in Edinburgh have released CCTV images of a man they believe may be able to assist with enquiries into a wilful fire which occurred on Hammond Place, The Wisp, around 4.50am on Sunday, 6 October, 2024
Officers believe that the man pictured may hold information that will assist their ongoing investigation.
He is described as: white, between 18-30 years of age, around 5ft 11ins in height and of medium build. He was wearing dark-coloured clothing and riding a mountain bike.
Detective Constable Paul Henderson said: “I would urge the man pictured, or anyone who recognises him, to contact the police.
“If you have any information that can assist with our investigation then please call Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 0861 of 6 October.
“Alternatively, make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Three people have been charged in connection with offences that took place in Edinburgh on Bonfire Night.
On Thursday, 7 November, officers investigating the significant disorder in Calder Road arrested a 38-year-old man following an incident where fireworks were set off within a common stair in Dunsire House North.
The male will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, 5 December.
A 13-year-old boy was then arrested today (Friday, 8 November) in connection with vandalism that took place at the Macklin Motors car dealership on Calder Road that resulted in damage estimated at over £20,000 being caused to vehicles.
He will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 10 December.
During the evening of Bonfire Night, a car was observed stopping amongst a group of young people, who then took possession of a quantity of fireworks from inside the vehicle. These were then used to cause disorder and antisocial behaviour within the Gracemount area.
As a result of inquiries to trace the driver, a 40-year-old man was also arrested today and he will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 10 December.
Detective Chief Inspector George Calder from Edinburgh CID said: “We made it clear following the disorder that put our communities in a state of alarm on Bonfire Night, that we would be unrelenting in our pursuit of those responsible and these arrests are just the first of many, as we continue to pursue various positive lines of inquiry.
“You might think you have evaded arrest, because we’ve not yet come to your door, but we will be doing so imminently.
“The public still have a vital role to play in helping us identify everyone involved in the criminality that took place on 5 November by providing us with photographic, or video evidence, via our Major Incident Public Portal.
Police Scotland’s criminal investigations into Bonfire Night disorder began yesterday, with detectives across the country following positive lines of inquiry to identify those responsible.
Certain areas of Scotland experienced significant levels of disorder, with the Niddrie, Calder Road, Gracemount and Moredun areas of Edinburgh and the Pollokshields area of Glasgow being the most adversely affected.
In each of these regions, local policing teams and other emergency services required the assistance of Operation Moonbeam assets to tackle violence and damage being caused by large groups of youths who threw fireworks and other projectiles at officers, vehicles and public property. Fires were also set in some of these areas, causing fear and alarm to the local communities.
Other isolated incidents involving the reckless or criminal use of fireworks were also reported in various parts of both cities, including a report of 21 cars being damaged by fireworks at a car dealership in Calder Road, Edinburgh.
In Glasgow, officers and colleagues from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service had to respond to large number of unauthorised bonfires being lit and were met with large groups of hostile youths upon their attendance.
All of these offences continue to be investigated.
Between Thursday, 31 October and Wednesday, 6 November, a total of 19 arrests have been made throughout Scotland in connection with firework offences. Six people have been charged under the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles Act, while a further 26 charges have been brought against individuals for associated criminality.Further arrests are expected in the coming days.
A Major Incident Public Portal has also been established, allowing communities to share video and photo evidence of Bonfire Night offences taking place in their area. Anyone with footage that can assist officers in identifying people involved in fireworks-related crime can submit it to:
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam, said: “Now that our Bonfire Night deployments have stood down, our investigation teams will begin reviewing all the evidence we obtained through Body Worn Video, Air Support Unit footage and statements from the public.
“This will help us establish the identities of those who chose to cause harm within our communities and who sought to attack and injure emergency service workers.
“While I am encouraged that we didn’t see the same levels of serious disorder, when compared to last year, I am under no illusion that that actions of a minority of individuals still had a significant and detrimental impact on various communities across Scotland.
“Their actions will not be tolerated, and detectives are working tirelessly to make arrests and ensure all of those involved in the offences we witnessed are brought to account.”
Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, added: “I made it clear following the incidents that occurred during the evening of Halloween that we’d leave no stone unturned as part of our investigations and I am reaffirming that statement today.
“Law-abiding members of the public living in Niddrie, Calder Road, Gracemount and Moredun were left terrified as serious disorder took place in their communities and vital bus services that allow safe travel across our city were violently attacked, which is entirely unacceptable.
“I am enormously grateful and immensely proud of all of the officers and staff who contributed to Operation Moonbeam. Colleagues worked tirelessly behind the scenes and on the front line, putting themselves in harm’s way to restore order and return these areas to a state of normality as quickly as possible, but the work begins now in terms of identifying and arresting everyone responsible.
“If members of the public have information or evidence that can help with our inquiries then please contact us immediately.”
Chief Superintendent Lynn Ratcliff, Divisional Commander for Greater Glasgow Division, said: “The overwhelming majority of those within Glasgow chose to enjoy Bonfire Night in the proper spirit. However, groups of young people, motivated to cause the maximum amount of fear and alarm carried out targeted disorder in certain parts of the city.
“This put not only local residents at risk, but meant police officers, fire service personnel and ambulance crews were in danger of being injured, as they responded to protect communities. Thankfully, however, no injuries were reported.
“Detectives across Glasgow are reviewing all evidence they obtained during Bonfire Night, and working with the public to gather more information, which will help bring these offenders to justice.
“If you believe you can assist with our ongoing inquiries then please get in touch.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service received more than 1,000 calls from the public during an eight-hour period on Bonfire Night
There were also six reported attacks on crews within three hours, however no injuries have been reported.
Two attacks took place in Clydebank, two in Glasgow, one in Edinburgh and one in Blackridge, West Lothian.
Initial figures indicate that crews responded to approximately 347 bonfires across the country between 3.30pm and 11.30pm on Tuesday, 5 November.
In the run up to the event, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) had appealed to the public to be aware of the dangers of both fireworks and unsafe bonfires with a message to consider the impact of their actions on communities and emergency services.
Andy Watt, Deputy Chief Officer for SFRS said: “I would like to pay tribute to the professionalism and resilience of our frontline crews.
“Operations Control firefighters answered over 1,000 calls tonight and have once again worked tirelessly to ensure we respond to those who need us the most.
“Unfortunately, several of our crews came under attack across Scotland, with six attacks within three hours. Crews were bombarded with missiles and fireworks while responding to emergency incidents.
“These attacks prevent our crews from bringing any emergency to a safe and swift conclusion, and can impact on our emergency service colleagues – including the police when they must escort us at the scene.
“This type of behaviour is, of course, carried out by a very small minority and we once again thank our communities for their continuing support and working together with us to stay safe across the Bonfire period.”
FEWER INJURIES TO EMERGENCY SERVICES PERSONNEL THIS YEAR
Incidents of serious disorder during Bonfire Night have fallen this year.
In 2023, specialist resources as part of Operation Moonbeam were deployed on 26 separate occasions during the evening of 5 November. This year, 18 deployments were required during the same period.
The overall number of fireworks-related calls has remained consistent to previous years, however, the number of officers injured has reduced significantly, compared to last year.
During the Operation Moonbeam deployment for October and November 2023, a total of 62 officers sustained injuries after being targeted with fireworks and other projectiles.
To date, one officer was injured on Halloween evening after a brick was thrown through the window of her police vehicle in Edinburgh. No further injuries to officers have so far been reported. One person has been arrested and charged in relation to this assault.
During the evening of Tuesday, 5 November, officers in Edinburgh responded to various incidents of youth disorder in Niddrie, Sighthill and Moredun.
Large groups gathered in these areas before throwing fireworks, bottles and bricks at police vehicles and other cars. Two fire service appliances were also attacked during this time.
No injuries to emergency service workers or members of the public were reported.
Various parts of Glasgow also experienced pockets of disorder, with youths witnessed throwing fireworks at members of the public, vehicles and police officers. There were also four incidents of fire appliances being subjected to attacks when responding to calls. Again, however, no injuries were reported.
In Peterhead a pyrotechnic device was ignited within a skate park in Aalesund Road at around 9.20pm. Those responsible then made off in a van before striking a 33-year-old male pedestrian and fleeing the scene.
The male was treated by paramedics at the scene but did not require further medical attention. Inquiries to identify the suspects are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to come forward.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam said: “I firstly want to recognise the outstanding courage and professionalism of all of those emergency service workers who put themselves in harm’s way to keep communities safe.
“Their actions ensured that some of the challenging scenes we witnessed this year did not escalate into mass disorder, on the scale of what we experienced last year.
“Nevertheless, the levels of violence and aggression police officers, fire service and ambulance service personnel faced in some areas was wholly unacceptable and a significant investigative response is now underway to identify each and every one of those involved and bring them to justice.
“In advance of Bonfire Night 2024, local policing teams across Scotland have worked diligently with local authority and third sector partners to make positive in-roads with communities and identify some of the root causes that lead to disorder.
“In addition, this engagement has resulted in an increase in the intelligence we have received from the public, allowing us to take preventative enforcement action before crimes could occur.
“Throughout Operation Moonbeam, we have utilised all legislation and policing powers at our disposal and we will continue our discussions with local authorities and Scottish Government to explore further opportunities for reducing fireworks offences for next year and moving forward.”
Bonfire Night is the busiest night of the year for firefighters across Scotland.
Please respect our crews when they are bringing incidents to a safe conclusion. Remember – we are here to keep you safe.
Following intelligence relating to planned disorder and firework related crime in Moredun, Niddrie and Gracemount tonight, Police will be utilising Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act.
Please report any concerns about firework related criminality to the police.
Westminster’sJustice and Home Affairs Committee today publishes a letter to the Minister for Policing, Crime and Fire Prevention, Dame Diana Johnson MP, after conducting an inquiry into shop theft.
The Justice and Home Affairs Committee conducted an inquiry into shop theft. The Committee finds that shop theft is an underreported crime that is not being effectively tackled, leading to a devastating impact on the retail sector and the wider economy.
The Committee heard that there are almost 17 million incidents of shop theft annually, with few leading to an arrest and costing the retail sector almost £2 billion last year.
The nature of the offence has evolved from individualised offending to relentless, large-scale, organised operations accompanied by unprecedented levels of violence. Shop theft is now seen as a lucrative profit-making opportunity which is being exploited by organised criminal networks.
There is a widespread perception that shop theft is not treated seriously by the police. The Committee recognises the need for quicker reporting systems, better data collection and intelligence sharing between police forces across the UK.
The Committee welcomes the work of Pegasus, the new national scheme to tackle organised crime in the retail sector and recommends that existing schemes such as Business Crime Reduction Partnerships (linking police and local businesses) should all be part of a National Standards Accreditation Scheme.
The Committee concludes:
The outdated term “shoplifting” serves to trivialise the severity of the offence and should be phased out.
The Committee supports the plan to repeal the offence of “low-value shoplifting” under section 176 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act, which in practice is decriminalising shop theft where the value of the goods does not exceed £200.
The Committee supports the creation of a standalone offence of assaulting a retail worker.
Improved reporting systems are required to enable retailers to report crime to the police quickly and easily.
The Committee recommends improving mechanisms for police and criminal justice systems to recognise and record when a crime has taken place in a retail setting.
Increased funding to community-based reoffending and rehabilitation initiatives are crucial to help divert prolific drug and alcohol addicted offenders away from further offending.
Public awareness campaigns are needed to target the stolen goods market.
The Committee supports the introduction of regulations and best practice guidance for the use of facial recognition technology by private companies.
Lord Foster of Bath, Chair of the Justice and Home Affairs Committee said: “In March 2024, 443,9953 incidents of shop theft were recorded by police – a 30% increase on the previous year and the highest-ever level since comparable records began over twenty years ago.
“But the figures are “a drop in the ocean” when compared with likely real figures estimated at 17 million with devastating consequences for businesses and families.
“The scale of the shop theft problem within England and Wales is totally unacceptable and action, like that underway in the Pegasus scheme, is vital and urgent.
“There’s no silver bullet. But, if adopted, the recommendations in our report should help tackle the problem and help keep the public and our economy safer.”
