OFFICERS have launched a manhunt to find those involved in the chaos in Edinburgh on Halloween after riot police were called, bricks thrown, and a police officer injured.
The force also confirmed that a 14-year-old boy has been arrested and charged in connection with fireworks offences in Edinburgh. The force had to be called to deal with a number of firework related incidents in the Scottish capital on Thursday evening.
Around 10pm, the force said a number of people had targeted its vehicles, as well as buses, with fireworks and other projectiles, including bricks, in the Niddrie area of the the city.
The force also said that one officer was injured after the window of the vehicle she was within was struck by a brick, causing the window to smash.
The police warned that "anyone who thinks they will evade justice ... are very much mistaken".
Police placed a road closure at the junction at Niddrie Mains Road and Duddingston Park South as well as at the junction of Niddrie Mains Road and Greendykes Road.
One local resident described the scenes as “absolute chaos” and as “like a war zone”.
A statement said: “Officers remain in the Hay Avenue area of Edinburgh following earlier reports of disorder.
“Police vehicles and public transport providers were targeted with fireworks and missiles, including bricks.
“All roads have now reopened.”
Enquiries ongoing
Following intelligence related to planned disorder, a warrant was executed at an address in Magdalene Gardens during the afternoon of Thursday, October 31.
A quantity of fireworks and two cans of petrol were recovered from inside and enquiries remain ongoing.
Chief Superintendent David Robertson, commander for Edinburgh Division, said: "The disorder witnessed this evening was carried out by a minority of individuals intent on causing fear and alarm within their communities and subjecting emergency service workers to horrific levels of violence and aggression.
"Thankfully, local policing teams were bolstered with specialist colleagues who helped bring these incidents to a safe conclusion and investigations are underway to identify everyone who was involved.
"I want to make it clear to anyone who thinks they will evade justice because they weren't apprehended this evening, they are very much mistaken.
"You will be identified during our inquiries, and you will be held to account for your actions.
"Our local policing teams will continue to be supported by Operation Moonbeam resources over the next week to ensure any further incidents of disorder or fireworks-related criminality are appropriately dealt with."
Anyone with information is being asked to come forward and enquiries remain ongoing to identify those responsible.
