Two men have been charged as part of an ongoing investigation to tackle disorder ahead of this year’s Bonfire Night period.
On Wednesday, 15 October, 2025, officers in West Lothian recovered 200kg of fireworks from a storage unit in East Calder.
As part of enquiries, intelligence-led searches were then carried out at properties in West Granton Road, West Pilton Lea, West Pilton Street, West Pilton Place and Bughtlin Place.
Two men, aged 18 and 25, were arrested and charged. The 18-year-old was due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Friday, 24 October and the 25-year-old is scheduled to appear today, Monday, 27 October.
Detective Inspector Steven Dick from Edinburgh Division CID said: “Our enquiries suggest the large quantity of fireworks seized was intended to be used for disorder and violence over the coming weeks.
“We know the significant impact the criminal use of fireworks has had on communities, vital services and emergency workers during the last few years, and this will not be tolerated.
“Officers will continue to gather intelligence and carry out enforcement and disruption action to prevent firework-related offences and bring to justice those who intend to cause fear and injury during the Bonfire Night period.”
Anyone who has information on planned criminal activity involving fireworks can contact Police Scotland via 101 or make an anonymous report to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police Scotland is dedicating more resource than ever before to tackle crimes involving fireworks over the Bonfire Night period.
Operation Moonbeam 2025 is officially launched today – Friday, 24 October – and will once again see public order officers supporting colleagues from local policing divisions to tackle violence and disorder and protect communities from harm.
In 2024, there was a reduction in the number of serious order incidents across the country and the number of officers injured fell to one, compared with 62 in 2023.
However, the level of violence directed towards police and other emergency services was still of significant concern and additional resource is being provided to support local policing teams dealing with fireworks-related crime.
Operation Moonbeam was first launched in 2018, following serious disorder in various parts of the country which saw one officer in Edinburgh seriously injured when she was struck by a firework.
Overall, fireworks offences have seen a reduction since this time, but an increased targeting of emergency services has prompted a more robust response to tackling these incidents.
In addition to enhanced levels of specialist support, frontline officers in Edinburgh a will be equipped with Body Worn Video, as the national roll-out of this technology continues.
This will improve opportunities to identify those involved in criminal activity during this time, including attacks on police officers and emergency service workers.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam, said: “Last year, following Bonfire Night, I reflected on what was a successful policing operation that saw a reduction in serious disorder offences and a dramatic reduction in the number of officers injured.
“As part of this year’s campaign, we will shortly be publishing some compelling stories from members of Police Scotland, Lothian Busses and affected communities highlighting the significant impact being involved in, or subject to attacks with fireworks can have.
“However, we still saw unacceptable levels of violence and disorder in parts of Glasgow and Edinburgh, leaving communities in these areas in a state of fear and alarm. This was wholly unacceptable, and we immediately launched a major criminal investigation to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
“Over 60 people have been reported for their involvement in fireworks offences over the Bonfire Night period for 2024. I want to make it clear our pursuit of offenders for any crimes this year will be equally unrelenting. If you chose to create fear in your community, and if you chose to attack those who are deployed to keep people safe, you will face justice.
“We will use all available technology, resources and policing tactics at our disposal to keep our people safe while they, in turn work with other emergency service partners to protect the public from harm.
“Please help us make Bonfire Night 2025 a safe event for everyone looking to enjoy it.”
Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown added: “We want everyone to enjoy Bonfire Night and I urge those planning to use fireworks to do so safely and responsibly.
“Misuse of fireworks puts communities and emergency services at risk and will not be tolerated. While Police Scotland reported a reduction in serious disorder on Bonfire Night last year, the Scottish Government will continue to support the police and courts in taking firm action against those who do break the law.
“We have brought in a number of measures to improve firework safety, including a ban on providing fireworks to under-18s and making attacks on emergency workers using fireworks an aggravating factor that courts can take into account when sentencing offenders. We have also provided local authorities with powers to designate firework control zones in local areas and a number of these will be in place this year.
“My thanks go to all the emergency services who have been working hard to ensure a safe Bonfire Night and who will again be on the front line to keep our communities safe.”
Andrew Laing, Deputy Crown Agent for Local Court at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), said: “Those who carry out reckless and dangerous public offending throughout the period of Bonfire Night can expect to be dealt with rigorously by the justice system.
“Those deliberately putting other people in danger may be held in custody by the police, remanded by the courts, and expect to receive a custodial sentence at the conclusion of the court case.
“Anyone seeking to obstruct or attack an emergency worker will be treated with the full force of the law.
“We stand fully behind justice partners in ensuring that the public and members of the emergency services are protected at all times.
“Our message to people who carry out this type of offending is that it carries serious consequences.
“We will always prosecute such matters where there is a sufficiency of evidence and it is in the public interest to do so.”
Edinburgh South MP Ian Murray has written to all the supermarkets in South Edinburgh – and they’ve agreed to stop selling fireworks for this bonfire night following last year’s disorder.
Ian Murray explained:“Last year, many got in touch with me after the shocking scenes of fireworks disorder in our community.
“Homes and businesses were attacked, people were left frightened in their own neighbourhoods, and our emergency services were put in danger. This is why I welcome the decision by supermarkets to refrain from selling fireworks this year.
“I’m pleased that following my letter to local supermarkets, all the major stores in Edinburgh South have confirmed they will not be selling fireworks this year.
“This is a big step that will help reduce local availability and make Halloween and Bonfire Night safer for everyone, and builds on wider work across the city by Dr Scott Arthur MP in reducing firework availability.
“This is on top of new Firework Control Zones in Gilmerton and Moredun, dispersal orders to tackle anti-social behaviour, and extra police resources. The Council will also be clearing away wood and materials that could be used for illegal bonfires.
“There’s still more to do, and I’ll keep pressing the Scottish Government to give our police the resources they need. But this is real progress.
“If you have any concerns in the coming weeks, please get in touch.”
A man has been convicted following his involvement in significant disorder within Edinburgh during Bonfire Night 2024.
Jordan McMillan, 24, was found guilty of culpable and reckless conduct after providing fireworks to individuals who then threw these items and other projectiles at police officers and members of the public in Niddrie Mains Road.
He will be sentenced on Monday, 14 July.
Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh said: “This conviction should send a very clear message that the reckless and dangerous behaviour we witnessed across Edinburgh last year will not be tolerated.
“Further positive court outcomes for those involved in disorder during 2024 are anticipated and we are currently working with key partners ahead of Bonfire Night 2025 to protect our communities from this reckless and dangerous behaviour, which simply has to stop.”
An Ayrshire firefighter has recalled stones “rattling off the side” of a fire appliance as he and his colleagues came under attack ahead of Bonfire Night last year.
Crew Commander Jonny Milliken was leading a response to a spate of grass fires in Troon on 3 November 2023 when his crew were turned on by youths attempting to climb the fire appliance and throwing bricks and stones at them.
CC Milliken, an on call firefighter, said he and colleagues are “local people trying to do their best for their town” and shouldn’t face this type of behaviour.
He said: “The stones were rattling off the side of the fire appliance.
“We decided to keep all crew inside the appliance to ensure their safety. After being bombarded with stones, we had to retreat and leave the area.
“The last thing I wanted as a Crew Commander was for anyone to get injured.
“We are well aware antisocial behaviour comes from a very small minority, but we were all completely shocked.”
“As on call firefighters, we live and work in our community. All the firefighters that attended that incident were from Troon.
“We are just local guys trying to do the absolute best we can for our town. We are real people, with real lives in our local community and we deserve to be respected and allowed to do our job properly.”
5 November is typically one of the busiest nights of the year for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and last year, firefighters across Scotland came under attack nine times in eight hours.
SFRS received 892 calls on Bonfire Night in 2023, with Operations Control staff mobilising to 355 bonfires.
Crews working to protect communities across Scotland want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable Bonfire Night and the public is being urged to attend public events wherever possible and a list is available on the SFRS website. This is by far the safest way to watch fireworks.
Statistics released by Care of Burns in Scotland (COBIS) show that 37 people accessed emergency treatment between 4 and 6 November last year for fireworks related injuries.
Deputy Chief Officer Andy Watt is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Director of Prevention, Protection and Preparedness. He said: “We want people to enjoy themselves at times of celebration, but we want them to do so safely and think of others, including our crews who are working hard to respond to emergencies.
“Bonfires and fireworks go hand in hand at this time of year, and we advise people to go to an organised event wherever possible. This is the safest way to enjoy firework displays and bonfires.”
Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “Fire crews and other emergency services workers do an outstanding job protecting communities over the Bonfire Night period and any attack on them is utterly despicable.
“Such assaults endanger 999 workers and can prevent crews from reaching those in emergency situations who desperately need help.
“Attacks on 999 crews using fireworks or pyrotechnics are aggravating factors that courts can take into account when sentencing offenders.
“We have also introduced a ban on providing fireworks to under-18s and provided local authorities with powers to designate firework control zones within their boundaries. These new powers will be used for the first time this year in areas across Edinburgh over the Bonfire Night period.”
SFRS encourages everyone to attend public events in their area. If deciding to have a display at home, is encouraged to make sure they are aware of the environment and the Fireworks Code.
It is essential to read all packet instructions on each firework, light fireworks at arm’s length and stand well back. Never return to a firework that has already been lit.
It is illegal for anyone to supply someone under the age of 18 with fireworks. Additionally, it is illegal to set off fireworks in public spaces, such as streets, roads and parks.
Fireworks are restricted in terms of use between 6pm and 11pm, and this is extended until midnight on November 5.
Additionally, for the first time, there are Firework Control Zones implemented in Balerno and in the Niddrie, Seafield and Calton Hill areas of Edinburgh. This means it is against the law to set off fireworks at any time between the 1st and the 10th of November.
SFRS also encourage anyone who may be having a bonfire at home to ensure it is kept away from buildings, vehicles and trees. Any bonfire which is unsafe, or where people are behaving irresponsibly, will be extinguished and made safe.
Police:
Our Multi-Agency Control Room in Edinburgh is in operation over the next two days for Operation Moonbeam.
Specialist resources are on hand to support local policing teams across the country in responding to fireworks-related crime taking place.
On Thursday, 31 October, a 14-year-old boy was charged in connection with fireworks offences, following reports of disorder in the Capital. A 17-year-old male was then arrested on Sunday, 3 November, following an attack on a police vehicle in the Niddrie area of the city, where an officer was injured.
He has been remanded in custody for the next seven days.
Our officers are out in communities to keep the public safe. Please help us stop fireworks offences and attacks on emergency service workers.
If you have any information about planned offences, contact us on 101 or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Enhanced patrols and resources have been deployed across this weekend as 5 November draws nearer, with Firework Control Zones and Dispersal Orders available to officers in order to manage any potential issues.
Chief Superintendent David Robertson, commander for Edinburgh division, said; “Enquiries are continuing following disorder in the capital on Thursday, 31 October, and efforts are underway to identify those responsible for carrying out several violent attacks on buses and police officers during that evening. A police officer was injured when the window of the vehicle she was in was hit by a brick, causing the window to smash.
“As a result of these investigations, a 17-year-old male has been arrested and charged in connection with the disorder in the Hay Avenue and Niddrie Mains Road area of Edinburgh.
“We also continue to appeal to the public to come forward with any information about any disorder which has already taken place, or which they may be aware of being planned for the coming days. This can be passed to our officers via 101 or 999 in the event of an emergency.”
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 Daysaid: “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 Creanoradded: “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.
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.”
Latest data sees notable increase in victims between 2022 and 2023, with jump from 13 to 32 casualties
Highest rise in firework-related injuries since 2010
Attending an organised display is the safest way to enjoy fireworks – RoSPA
There has been a 146 per cent rise from 13 casualties in 2022 to 32 casualties from firework-related incidents in 2023, according to Home Office data.
Last year, figures were at the highest they’ve been since 2010 when fireworks injured 45 people.
As a result, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is urging everyone to do one essential thing this year to ensure a safe celebration: attend an organised display.
Phil Le Shirley, Product Safety Advisor, said:“The number one thing you can do to reduce the risk of injury from fireworks is to attend events managed by professionals and held in controlled environments.
“Each year, injuries occur due to improper handling and unsafe use of fireworks in home gardens. Organised events offer the thrill of fireworks while minimising the risks to you, your family, and your neighbours.”
But if you’re having Fireworks at home: follow the Firework Code
By following the Firework Code, you can protect yourself, your family, and others while still enjoying the magic of Bonfire Night. Every year, thousands of people suffer injuries related to fireworks, with some incidents leading to life-altering injuries or even fatalities. Many of these accidents are preventable with the right precautions.
The Firework Code: Your Safety Checklist
Buy fireworks from licensed sellers: · Buy fireworks from licensed sellers: Only purchase fireworks that have a UKCA or CE Mark
Follow instructions carefully: Read and follow the instructions on each firework, and ensure you know how to use them before lighting.
Keep fireworks in a closed box: Store them safely and only take them out one at a time.
Light fireworks at arm’s length: Use a taper or long lighter, and never go back to a firework once it’s lit.
Stand well back: Always maintain a safe distance once fireworks are lit.
Supervise children: Never allow children to handle fireworks, including sparklers.
Never put fireworks in your pocket: This can lead to accidental ignition and severe injury.
Dispose of used fireworks properly: Douse fireworks with water after they’ve gone off and dispose of them safely.
Keep pets indoors: Fireworks can cause distress to animals, so make sure pets are kept inside during displays.
Additional Firework Safety Tips
In addition to following the Firework Code, RoSPA offers these further recommendations for a safe and enjoyable Bonfire Night:
Be mindful of bonfires: Keep a safe distance and never throw fireworks, aerosols, or anything else into the bonfire.
Wear protective clothing: When handling fireworks, ensure you’re wearing suitable clothing, such as long sleeves and gloves, particularly when using sparklers.
To celebrate Autumn’s festivities safely, you can learn more about RoSPA’s guidance, as well as the firework code here.
Dispersal Zones for #OpCrackle have been set up across Edinburgh and will be enforceable from 1400 hours on 01/11/2024 to 0000 hours on 05/11/2024.
These will be in place within: Gorgie, Saughton, Oxgangs, Liberton, Gilmerton, Gracemount, Portobello, Niddrie, Moredun, Muirhouse, Craigentinny, Pilton and Edinburgh City Centre.
We use this power where we have reasonable grounds to believe that the presence or behaviour of a group of two or more people in any public place is causing, or likely to cause, alarm or distress to any members of the public.
An officer utilising Dispersal Zone powers may give:
1. A direction requiring persons in the group to disperse.
2. A direction requiring any of those persons whose place of residence is not within the relevant locality to leave the relevant locaility.
3. A direction prohibiting any of those persons whose place of residence is not within the relevant locality from returning to the relevant locality or any part of it during such period (not exceeding 24 hours) from giving of the direction as the constable may specify.
If you knowingly contravene a direction given by an officer within a Dispersal Zone under these powers, you can be subject to an arrest without warrant.
