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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Dan Barker, PA Scotland & David Clark

Edinburgh in police lockdown as masked gangs throw fireworks in bonfire night chaos

A road was blockaded with fire and motorbikes raced through part of Edinburgh amid scenes of Bonfire Night chaos.

Specialist officers descended on the Niddrie area of Edinburgh on Saturday night after a serious disturbance, which echoed scenes seen in Dundee earlier this week, with police urging people to stay indoors.

Footage shared online showed a motorbike gang racing through the streets with fireworks being launched along the ground, seemingly aimed at people and vehicles.

Police closed Niddrie Mains Road to traffic, where earlier in the night a fire had been lit to block the road to passing vehicles. There was also the remains of a temporary bus stopped strewn in the street.

A police vehicle had also been struck with a Molotov cocktail, officers said, but nobody had been injured.

Police Scotland said officers had been deployed to the area of the city as part of the force's Operation Moonbeam, and said there had been "reports of various incidents including anti-social use of fireworks, a break-in to a shop and road blockages".

Footage showed masked youths on bikes causing havoc (Police Division)

Shocking footage emerged from the ongoing disturbance showing balaclava-clad thugs aiming fireworks at groups of people standing at the side of the road.

Some of those on the street duck for cover as the rockets explode. Another video shows fireworks being set off in the street as cars brake to avoid the explosions.

A Police Scotland spokesman said members of the public should avoid that part of the city amid the "youth-related disorder linked to Bonfire Night".

The force spokesman added: "A police vehicle has also been struck with a bottle containing a flammable substance - however, no damage was sustained and no injuries were reported.

The area was locked down to allow police to deal with the gangs of youths (Police Division)

"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."

And a spokesman for the Scottish Ambulance Service said: "Please avoid the Niddrie area of Edinburgh and locals please stay inside your properties."

Meanwhile Edinburgh locals reported concerns as a huge bonfire was left burning next to a children's park and several houses in the Craigmillar area, Edinburgh Live reports.

The blaze was left alight shortly after 18.00 on Saturday as residents across the city celebrated Guy Fawkes night but locals became concerned as bikes, televisions and furniture were thrown into the fire and it was left unaccompanied.

On Sunday police revealed 12 people had been arrested, and a further 15 were dispersed from Dispersal Zones. Police Scotland said further inquiries to identify more suspects will be taking place over the coming days and weeks.

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