MSPs have called for a nationwide ban on the sale of fireworks, following the shocking scenes in Dundee. SNP Justice Minister Keith Brown faced calls for a Scotland-wide ban in Holyrood today after last night's pyro riot in the Kirkton area of the city, reports the Courier.
The Record reported that there were several streets blocked off by riot cops as bins were torched and roadblocks set up at around 5.30pm and fireworks lobbed at the nearby St Paul’s RC Academy. One officer was injured in the violence and a police helicopter was seen hovering over the area.
Today, MSPs demanded new restrictions ahead of Bonfire Night, after locals were left in fear for their safety as wild thugs threw explosives at police. Mr Brown condemned last night's scenes and said more cops and fire crews would be sent to Dundee over the next few days but he did not endorse calls for a nationwide ban.
Answering urgent questions, Mr Brown said Police Scotland had "given [him] assurances around proposed plans" for Bonfire weekend. He added: “From those that had first hand experience they were grateful for the rapid deployment of police officers from elsewhere to bolster the efforts of local police officers.
“That will be factored into the police’s response over the course of next weekend, in particular November 4 and 5. The resources that will be available in Dundee this weekend are being augmented in light of the actions that happened last night.”
At Holyrood, SNP MSP for Dundee City West, Joe FitzPatrick, called for all retailers to cease selling fireworks in the city, while parts of his party's new laws on pyrotechnics are yet to take effect. He was backed by Labour's North East MSP, Michael Marra, who said terrified locals would feel safer in the lead-up to Bonfire Night is sales were stopped.
Earlier, North East Tory MSP Maurice Golden shared fears the reckless scenes could be repeated in other parts of Scotland on November 5. He told The Courier: “To have riot police on the streets anywhere in Scotland is extremely concerning, and to have it right on our own doorstep just brings it home."
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