Additional police resources will be used on Bonfire Night in Dundee after firebomb riots in the city on Halloween.
Roads were torched, cars were jumped on and emergency service workers came under attack during an evening of mayhem on October 31. Cops with batons and shields were drafted in to deal with widespread disorder on Balgowan Avenue as fireworks were hurled in their direction.
Terrifying video footage of the night showed pyrotechnics being launched into blazes while fire crews worked overnight to contain the chaos. Feral youths were seen illuminating streets with smoke from fireworks as the devices were launched from opposite sides of the street.
During the disorder, one police officer was left injured during their duties. While no arrests have been made yet, inquiries are ongoing to identify everyone involved.
Speaking at a media briefing held yesterday, officers investigating the disruption confirmed that extra officers will be drafted into the city on November 5 in an effort to curb any further rioting.
Chief Superintendent Phil Davison said: “We will be looking at an enhanced policing presence over the course of the coming days. I can fully appreciate and understand the distress that has been caused to local residents.
“The actions as I’ve said were deplorable and nobody should be in their house or their local community seeing the sort of behaviour present on Monday. The message to the locals residents is one of reassurance, that policing had a significant response to quell the disturbances.
“We will have hi-visibility and local engagement in our communities and we will have an enhance policing presence in the coming days.”
The city was left covered in smoking hot piles of debris yesterday, with bins and roadblocks melted to the ground. Councillor John Alexander, leader of Dundee City Council, blasted the scenes as 'absolutely disgusting'.
Cllr Alexander said: “This reckless behaviour endangers lives, with emergency vehicles unable to pass on Balgowan Avenue and it costs residents and every taxpayer money. I hope that every single one of those individuals responsible is identified and dealt with appropriately.
“Given the age of many of those in the videos and images (I guess), I expect that parents will be equally as outraged and questioning their children, if they knew they were out in that area tonight. Where were your kids tonight? Please ask them.”
He added: "Dozens of residents have been in contact, understandably, after last night's incident in Kirkton. They are looking for answers and reassurance. I have been in direct communication with Tayside police and officers within Dundee Council on both counts.
"I've also been in contact with local supermarkets, as I want to see the sale of fireworks suspended across Dundee. Some may claim that to be a knee jerk reaction but at this point, I think it a necessary measure to address genuine fear, alarm and concern.
"As someone born and raised in Kirkton, where my parents still live, I can say that this doesn't reflect our community. I loved growing up in Kirkton and we must not allow a repeat of, what can only be described as, anarchy.
"All those responsible MUST face consequences."
Cllr Alexander added that Asda had already agreed to suspend the sale of fireworks in the city.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
