Scots families left terrified after thugs attack homes with fireworks

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Edinburgh families were left terrified last night after Halloween thugs attacked homes and cars with fireworks. Moredun residents cowered in fear as a gang of youths began setting off fireworks causing chaos for locals on Thursday, October 31.

According to eyewitnesses in Craigour Green windows of buildings were smashed and a construction site was "completely destroyed". Aftermath images show every window at the entrance of Moredun House smashed up, leaving glass shattered on the floor.

Speaking to Edinburgh Live, one local, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: "It started at around 6pm. There were about 30 of them and they started at the construction site by the green space behind the tower blocks.

"They were setting off fireworks under machinery. There could have been diesel engines and I was worried if anything like that went on fire, that would have been a big problem.

"I phoned the police then but no one showed. I phoned another three times after the group blocked the road with fencing from the site and started attacking cars and people with fireworks. Still no police showed up."

She added: "This happened last year but it wasn't as bad. They were definitely teenagers. We were obviously scared."

Police Scotland chiefs said officers are continuing their enquiries to identify those involved in the disorder that took place across various parts of the city on Halloween evening. A police officer was injured and a 14-year-old arrested following disorder in Niddrie as gangs were allegedly firing rockets and bricks at people and buses.

Police said incidents of fireworks-related disorder were also responded to at Moredunvale Road, Southhouse Road and Captains Road as well as West Pilton Park, where a number of buses were targeted.

Following intelligence relating to planned disorder, a warrant was executed at an address in Magdalene Gardens during the afternoon of Thursday, 31 October. A quantity of fireworks and two cans of petrol were recovered from inside. Enquiries into this recovery are ongoing.

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Chief Superintendent David Robertson, commander for Edinburgh Division said: “The disorder witnessed this evening was carried out by a minority of individuals intent on causing fear and alarm within their communities and subjecting emergency service workers to horrific levels of violence and aggression.

“Thankfully, local policing teams were bolstered with specialist colleagues, who helped bring these incidents to a safe conclusion and investigations are underway to identify everyone who was involved.

“I want to make it clear to anyone who thinks they will evade justice because they weren’t apprehended this evening, they are very much mistaken. You will be identified during our enquiries, and you will be held to account for your actions.

“Our local policing teams will continue to be supported by Operation Moonbeam resources over the next week to ensure any further incidents of disorder or fireworks-related criminality are appropriately dealt with.”

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