Edinburgh Bonfire Night fears as public urged to 'avoid area' after yobs launch fireworks at cars

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The public has been urged to 'avoid' the Niddrie area of Edinburgh following reports of youths throwing fireworks at vehicles.

Specialist police have been deployed to assist local officers with an operation in place, called Moonbeam, to respond to disorder on Bonfire Night.

Niddrie Mains Road has been shut down between Duddingston Road West and Duddingston Park South.

Multiple riot vans and public order officers have been in attendance for the last few hours in preparation for expected antisocial behaviour that has plagued Niddrie in recent years on November 5.

On Halloween, October 31, officers faced attacks from youths armed with fireworks and bricks, resulting in injuries to one female officer during the chaos on Hay Drive.

Similar disturbances occurred last year, with the community in lockdown as gangs of youths clashed with riot police and damaged buses. Additional incidents of disorder took place on Captains Drive in Gracemount and Broomhouse.

Photos from Tuesday afternoon show police engaging with local residents and confirming that intelligence has prompted the use of Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act. This measure allows officers to stop and search individuals suspected of intending to cause harm or engage in disorder.

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A Police Scotland statement on X read: "Moonbeam resources are assisting local officers in the Niddrie area following reports of youths throwing fireworks at vehicles. Niddrie Mains Road is currently closed between Duddingston Road West and Duddingston Park South. The public are asked to avoid the area.

"There are no reported injuries, and enquiries are ongoing. If you have information about planned criminal activity involving fireworks this evening, please contact us on 101. If you wish to report an ongoing crime, then dial 999."

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