Tag: disorder

Council Leader calls for tougher measures against nuisance fireworks and disorder

HALLOWEEN DISORDER IN HAY DRIVE MARKS START OF BONFIRE SEASON

Council Leader Cammy Day yesterday repeated his calls for a complete ban on the public sale of fireworks and tougher sentences for those misusing them and causing public disorder – but trouble flared up in Niddrie last night.

Councillor Day said: “We all remember vividly the shocking scenes we saw last year with emergency services being attacked while trying to do their jobs. And more recently the appalling reports of violence and antisocial behaviour with buses and cars coming under attack.

“Whilst this isn’t an issue unique to Edinburgh, or indeed Scotland, I’m clear that this sort of behaviour has no place in our city.

“It’s long been my view that we need to ban the public sale of fireworks, given the potential risk to health, if misused, but also the unnecessary fear and alarm they cause in our communities. 

“I will be writing to my colleagues in the UK Government to request a review of the legislation, as well as the Crown Office to ask for tougher sentences for those found guilty of committing these crimes.

“I’m determined to do everything within our power to prevent a repeat of last year. Earlier this week I chaired the latest multi-agency meeting with colleagues, the police and fire service as part of our ongoing preparations, and the implementation of our firework control zones, which come into effect tomorrow (1 November).

“In addition to FCZs, we’re also increasing patrols from our waste services to collect items that could potentially be set alight.

“Bonfire Night should be an opportunity for communities to come together to celebrate and spend time together. I would urge everyone in the city to only attend organised displays and look out for one another.

“Please work with us and our fantastic emergency services to help make it a safe and enjoyable occasion this year. If you witness any criminality, please call the police on 101.

“I want to thank our emergency services once again for the professional and measured way they carry out their duties under the most difficult of circumstances. Police officers, firefighters and paramedics have a tough enough job already without being subjected to violence and abuse.

“Please show them the respect they deserve this Bonfire Night.”

Chief Inspector Mairi Creanor added: “We know that certain areas of Edinburgh experienced unprecedented levels of disorder during Bonfire Night last year, and because of this a significant number of officers responding to the incidents that arose sustained a range of injuries.

“The unacceptable actions of a minority of individuals left communities in a state of alarm and put the safety of emergency service workers at serious risk of harm.

“Such offences cannot and will not be tolerated and detailed planning has been undertaken since last year to ensure we have appropriate resources in key areas and can provide additional support should they be required.

 “It is an offence to use fireworks in any manner within a Fireworks Control Zone and we will take appropriate action against anyone in breach of an FCZ over the Bonfire Night period.

“This is just one of the tools at our disposal and we’ll continue to work with key partners to keep our communities safe and bring those intent on causing harm to justice.”

Firework Control Zones will come into effect in four areas of the city – Niddrie, Calton Hill, Seafield and Balerno – from 1 to 10 November, making it a criminal offence to use fireworks (excluding sparklers and indoor fireworks) unless part of a licensed display.

There are a number of organised events taking place across the city. Full details are available on the council website.

UPDATE: Council Leader @cllrcammyday has responded to reports of disorder taking place across Edinburgh last night.

Police officers attended the Hay Avenue area following reports of disorder. Police vehicles and public transport providers were targeted with fireworks and missiles, including bricks.

Roads in the area were closed during the incident, but were reopened by 11pm.

Cllr Cammy Day said: “I’m shocked and saddened to hear of the mindless violence and disorder taking place in areas across the city tonight.”

Further arrests following disorder at Hibernian vs Motherwell match

A further five arrests have been made following disorder at the Hibernian versus Motherwell football game on Saturday, 5 October, 2024.

Incidents of violence and disorder were directed towards officers in the St Andrew Square area of Edinburgh after the conclusion of the game.

Five men aged, 32, 21, 20, 19 and 18 have been arrested and charged in connection with the incidents.

Chief Inspector Craig Rogerson said: “These arrests show that disorder is not acceptable. We want to create a safe environment for people before, during and after football matches. We will continue to work closely with both clubs and football authorities.

“The men will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal and are expected to appear at Court at a later date. Football banning orders will be sought, preventing them from attending any regulated football matches in Scotland.

“Further enquiries are ongoing.”

Police appeal following post-match disorder in city centre

POLICE are appealing for information following disorder after the football match between Hibernian and Motherwell at the weekend.

On Saturday, 5 October 2024, incidents of violence and disorder were directed towards officers in the St Andrew Square area after the conclusion of the game.

Four officers suffered minor injuries as a result and four men aged 16, 17, 18 and 22 were charged in connection with incidents of violence and disorder. They were released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date.

Two other people were also arrested and later released without charge.

Chief Inspector Craig Rogerson said: “We have a zero-tolerance approach to violence of any kind and are working to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

“A proportionate policing plan was in place and officers being targeted with violence while carrying out their duties is wholly unacceptable.

“Officers acted swiftly in challenging circumstances to deal with what amounted to totally unacceptable behaviour.

“A dedicated team of officers are carrying out enquiries to identify those involved and appropriate action will be taken.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 1311 of 5 October 2024.

Supporting community cohesion

Joint statement with STUC condemning recent disorder and racism

The First Minister and STUC General Secretary have issued a joint statement expressing solidarity with communities affected by recent disorder and racism in parts of the UK.

The joint statement follows First Minister John Swinney’s first biannual meeting with the Scottish Trades Union Congress, which took place yesterday.

The First Minister said: “Trade unions have a long and proud history of supporting those facing oppression at home and around the world and bringing communities together.

“The Scottish Government and STUC are aligned in our support of communities across the UK that have faced violence and intimidation instigated by far-right groups.

“Scotland is a diverse, multi-cultural society and this diversity strengthens us as a nation. There is no place in Scotland for hatred of any kind, and each of us has a responsibility to confront racism and religious prejudice, including Islamophobia, wherever and whenever it appears.

“I am grateful to Police Scotland for their ongoing efforts to keep communities safe and provide reassurance.” 

STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “Alongside the Scottish Government, we jointly condemn the recent, inexcusable violence and disorder perpetuated by the far-right across the UK.

“Scotland is not immune and we cannot become complacent. We must do all we can to oppose the far-right, including reaching out to our faith and migrant communities to offer solidarity, support and the reassurance that they enrich the social and cultural fabric of our nation. Scotland is their home. We stand with them.

“We’re pleased the First Minister recognises the role of our movement in opposing fascism and racism. That work continues.

“We won’t cower to hatred and prejudice. We will work with the Scottish Government to ensure inclusivity, respect and tolerance triumphs over persecution and ignorance and will oppose, across every village and town, those who wish to divide us.”

Have your say on Firework Control Zones

CONSULTATION CLOSES 23rd AUGUST

Edinburgh residents are being asked for their views on Firework Control Zones.

The introduction of a Firework Control Zone will mean that certain fireworks will no longer be permitted to be set off in these areas, and a Citywide Firework Control Zone will mean that certain fireworks will no longer be permitted to be set off anywhere in the capital.

These Firework Control Zones will not impact organised displays, such as Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Christmas or Hogmanay.

Consultation is currently underway for the following locations:

Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker said: “Bonfire Night and broader fireworks use in the city can be an opportunity for communities to come together to celebrate and spend time together. 

“However, we all remember the shocking scenes we saw in some areas of the capital last year with emergency services being attacked, and we are doing everything in our power to prevent similar occurrences this November.

“This consultation is an opportunity for everyone to share their position on the use of fireworks, and I encourage everyone to take some time to have their say before the consultation closes.”

Further information on Firework Control Zones is available on the council website. The consultation closes on Friday 23 August 2024.

Castlebrae summit discusses fireworks disorder

A summit on fireworks between the Council, partner agencies, community representatives, local MPs, MSPs and councillors took place yesterday (December 18) at Castlebrae Community Campus in Niddrie.

This follows the significant level of disorder seen in the city on Bonfire Night (November 5), particularly in the Niddrie area, where emergency services were attacked with fireworks, petrol bombs, masonry, and other missiles.

Since then, 26 people have now been charged with a total of 51 offences and police investigations remain ongoing.

The summit, hosted by Council Leader Cammy Day, discussed the events of this year, and looked ahead to how we address Bonfire Night and fireworks use in the future. This included our preventative community work alongside partners, the future implementation of Firework Control Zones (FCZs) and other strategies. Work is already well underway in these areas.

There will be a further summit in March 2024.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: It was really useful to come together and discuss our collective approach to Bonfire Night and broader fireworks use.

“Unfortunately, in recent years, Bonfire Night has become something of a focal point for potentially life-threatening disorder and violence. This year had the distinction of clear planning and premeditation on the part of those attacking police in Niddrie, which is a deeply disturbing development. I fear that unless we take decisive action now it is only a matter of time before we see serious injuries or even deaths on a future Bonfire Night.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to our fantastic emergency services colleagues who do an excellent job in keeping us all safe.

“I believe that we need to go further and ban the public sale of fireworks, such is the unprecedented risk to public safety and order. Whilst this may seem unfair to the majority of people who celebrate and use fireworks responsibly, what we have seen this year necessitates such a response. I’ll also be looking into whether we can help provide organised displays in the city, so our residents can enjoy fireworks in a safe and secure way.

“We need to face these challenges head on, and I look forward to further summits in the New Year.”

Bonfire Night disorder: 27 arrests, 53 offences as investigations continue

Twenty-six people have now been charged with a total of 51 offences following bonfire night disorder seen in Edinburgh on Sunday, 5 November, 2023.

A further individual will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with two charges, meaning a total number of 27 people have been identified for 53 offences.

The ages of those range between 12 and 34 years of age, with the majority aged in their mid to late teens.

A total of 31 charges against 15 individuals relates specifically to the significant disorder seen in the Niddrie area.

Within this, two men, aged 29 and 27 have been charged in connection with inciting violence. They are alleged to have filmed the events on mobile phones while encouraging youths to be violent towards police.

A 31-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman were also charged in connection with supplying fireworks to youths.

The charges are a result of an extensive investigation which has been ongoing since bonfire night by a dedicated team of officers.

Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal said: “The events of bonfire night, especially in the East of the city, were wholly unacceptable.

“The scenes experienced are not reflective of the Niddrie community as a whole and were acts carried out by a minority.”

Read the full update at: https://ow.ly/mBL050QgQ3l

Youths charged with bus and tram offences

Three youths have been charged in relation to recent antisocial behaviour and damage on and around buses and trams in Edinburgh.

A 12-year-old boy and two 13-year-old boys were identified and traced by officers in the South West of the city and have been charged with a number of offences including smashing a bus window, throwing excrement at a member of staff and an offence under the Edinburgh Tram Act 2006.

These incidents took place between 5 February and 15 February in the Westside Plaza and between Edinburgh Park and Balgreen Tram Stops.

Sergeant Scott Walker from Wester Hailes Community Policing Team said: “During the past few weeks we’ve received a number of reports of antisocial behaviour at bus and tram stops as well as damage being caused to buses and trams.

“A dedicated team of officers carried out enquiries to identify those who were responsible, during which they spoke to numerous witnesses and viewed CCTV footage.

“We’re pleased to report that three youths have been charged with five offences, and so far in an effort to prevent an escalation in unacceptable and dangerous behaviour, fifteen other youths have been spoken to in the presence of a parent or carer.

“I’d like to thank the public for their help in these enquiries and continued support, and would also like to reassure the residents of Edinburgh and those who use public transport that we will continue to tackle this kind of behaviour.

“This is a city wide issue that we face and our work continues across the division with similar initiatives. Local Community Policing Teams are working hard to identify those responsible in order to educate them on the potentially dangerous consequences of their actions when targeting public transport.”

Anyone wishing to report a crime should contact officers via 101, or in an emergency and when a crime is in progress, always call 999. Alternatively a report can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Education Secretary announces summit to tackle unacceptable behaviour in schools

A summit focused on tackling violence in schools will be convened by Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth in the coming weeks.

It will bring together young people, parents and carers, schools, local authorities and unions to discuss how to tackle the problem. This will build on guidance provided to local authorities and on the £2 million of funding to support violence prevention activities within schools and communities.

Education Scotland will also work with every local authority to identify good practice in behaviour and relationships, sharing the findings with schools across the country.

Speaking during a debate in Parliament, Ms Gilruth said: ““I have been in post for two months now, and during that time I have made it absolutely clear that behaviour in schools is one of my top priorities.

“Children and young people must have every opportunity for successful learning that is unhindered by disruptive behaviour. I also want to make sure that teachers and school staff are working in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment.

“Any form of violence in our schools is completely unacceptable. No teacher or pupil should suffer verbal or physical abuse, and parents should be able to send their children to school knowing that they are safe.

“To that end, I’m looking forward to bringing together young people, parents and carers, schools, local authorities, unions, and campaigners to identify how we tackle the problem of violence and disruption in our schools.”

The Scottish Government has issued guidance for teaching staff which focuses on supporting positive behaviour and includes advice on prevention and de-escalation of incidents.

The Scottish Government is also in the process of updating national anti-bullying guidance.

Appeal following assault at Hibernian Football Club stadium

Police have released an image of a man they believe may be able to assist them with their ongoing enquiries into an assault which occurred at the Hibernian Football Club stadium at Easter Road in Edinburgh on 7 August 2022.

The man is described as white, with short dark hair and stubble wearing a dark green/brown top.

Police Constable Luke Wilson said: “Officers are keen to speak to the man in the image as they believe he will be able to assist with their enquiries.

“The man pictured or anyone who recognises him, or anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101.

Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give information anonymously.”

In reference to a recent elease we issued regarding disorder at the Scottish League Cup final on Sunday, 26 February, 2023, please note:

Ten men have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Eight, aged 18, 18, 20, 21, 21, 24, 25 and 25, have been released on an undertaking.

Two, aged 43 and 21, are to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today (Thursday, 30 March, 2023).

A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Enquiries are continuing.

Police Scotland supports the event organisers, being the clubs and the football authorities, to create a safe environment for people to attend and enjoy football matches.

These arrests show that such violence and disorder has no place in football and our enquiries continue in order to identify those responsible for the disorder inside and outside of Hampden at this fixture.

We are committed to working with our partners to maximise the safety of all persons attending football fixtures.

A spokesperson for the SPFL said: “We have been working closely with Police Scotland and the Scottish FA to investigate and address the unacceptable behaviour of a small minority of supporters at the recent Viaplay Cup Final.

“We are encouraged by the progress which has already been made and look forward to more of the individuals involved being identified in the near future.”