Fireworks thrown at people and cars as police take 144 calls on Halloween

Fireworks were thrown at people, vehicles and buildings during disorder in parts of Scotland on Halloween, police have said.

Police Scotland responded to 144 calls about fireworks on Saturday 31 October. That was down from 160 on the same night last year.

Where was the trouble?

There were reports of fireworks being set off in the street and thrown at members of the public in Glasgow, in Tranent in East Lothian and in Bonnyrigg in Midlothian. Inquiries to identify those involved are ongoing.

Seven dispersal orders were issued in Edinburgh, and police are still working out how many were issued in Glasgow as part of the operation.

Overall, officers said there had been outstanding behaviour and co-operation across the country, but they vowed to track down those responsible for the disorder.

Control zones in force

Firework control zones, where it is a criminal offence to set off fireworks, are in place in 14 areas of Edinburgh and four in Glasgow until early November. In Glasgow they cover Govanhill and Pollokshields, Broomhouse, Pollok and Glasgow Harbour. A dispersal zone is also in force in Pollokshields until 6 November.

The big test is still to come

Police Scotland's Operation Moonbeam, which gives local officers access to specially trained public order teams, runs until the evening of 5 November.

Bonfire Night this year will see the biggest police operation in Scotland since President Trump's visit, with up to 1,700 officers available. As well as fireworks disorder, police are preparing for Celtic's Europa League match against Besiktas in Glasgow and a possible protest in the city on the same night.

Chief Superintendent David Robertson, gold commander for Operation Moonbeam, has warned that anyone involved in disorder will face very real consequences.

Anyone with information about Halloween disorder can contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.