Youth riots ignite Guy Fawkes chaos in Edinburgh streets
In Edinburgh, riots erupted as youths disturbed residents' peace. Masked hooligans ignited bonfires in the streets, set trash bins on fire, and launched fireworks at passing vehicles. Police arrived promptly, accompanied by riot units and a helicopter.
On the night between Tuesday and Wednesday in Edinburgh, violent riots related to Guy Fawkes Night celebrations occurred. The events took place in a residential area in the Niddrie district, where police in full gear, supported by a helicopter, were called to suppress the aggression of youth groups.
Police in full mobilization
The first reports of incidents appeared around 4:45 PM (ET), when fireworks began being thrown towards vehicles on Niddrie Mains Road. One of the fireworks exploded on the road. Due to the threat, the police immediately closed nearby streets and started redirecting traffic from the hazardous area, using the police helicopter's light to illuminate the riot zone.
According to witnesses, the situation quickly got out of control when young people began throwing fireworks at passing cars, bricks at the police, and setting fire to trash bins. Some participants recorded the events on their phones, further fueling the chaotic atmosphere.
Footage from the scene shows police chasing a group of young people. At one point, there was a tense confrontation during which one of the riot participants was overpowered by officers blocking the way. Unfortunately, the riots also affected random passersby who unknowingly found themselves in the centre of events.
In response to the situation, police formed a line along the street and began dispersing the crowd until the gathered youth were eventually surrounded and forced to leave the site. However, that was not the end.
At one point, officers, attacked with fireworks, retreated to police vans, which were then directed back to the site. When the units left the area, witnesses heard voices suggesting that the youth would likely refrain from further attacks after police departure. Unfortunately, the aggression quickly intensified, and fireworks were again launched toward civilians.
Residents were warned to avoid areas affected by the clashes, which also spread to the Gilmerton and Sighthill districts. Reports also indicated riots in Moredun and Gracemount, where Gracemount Drive was closed, and police directed traffic to other areas.
Politicians respond to the escalation of violence
Edinburgh MP Ian Murray described these incidents as "shameful and unacceptable" in light of the violence escalation, which also occurred a few days earlier during Halloween celebrations. Chief Superintendent David Robertson emphasized that the police would try to find the culprits. He recalled that during the Halloween riots, officers were attacked with fireworks and other objects, and one officer was injured when a brick hit the patrol car window.
Acts of vandalism also targeted local buses. Following this incident, a 14-year-old boy was arrested and charged in connection with the dangerous use of fireworks.
An annual problem highlighted by the police
David Robertson expressed frustration, noting that such incidents are becoming an annual "tradition" in Niddrie. He also mentioned that Niddrie appears to have turned into a focal point, suggesting that there is now a perception that attacking the police is considered acceptable.
The police chief also reminded the public that similar acts of aggression occurred during Bonfire Night in 2022 and 2023, when it turned out that many of the rioters came to Niddrie from other parts of Edinburgh and its surroundings.
The Leader of Edinburgh City Council, Cammy Day, expressed deep concern about the situation, stating that he is "shocked and saddened" by the violence, which he believes undermines the family nature of events like Halloween.
