Eight police officers in Edinburgh, Scotland were injured by rioters who attacked them Sunday night, BBC reports.
In one incident around Niddrie, the police stated that fireworks, Molotov cocktails and other projectiles were launched at them and surrounding buildings and cars during Bonfire Night, an annual commemoration that takes place primarily in the UK every Nov. 5, during which bonfires and fireworks displays are seen.
The historically contained celebration turned deadly when a group of around 50 youths attacked with what Police Scotland has described as “unprecedented levels of violence.”
They are stating the attack, which was captured on video by participants’ phones and uploaded to social media, was organized.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs likened the situation to “child abuse,” as the young perpetrators were being influenced by surrounding adults.
He stated to BBC: "From [CCTV footage] we've identified a number of vehicles and a number of adults who have been moving around the Niddrie area and actively supplying fireworks to children and been involved in the co-ordination.
"And that to me at the end of the day is child abuse. That's what's happening. You're putting children into harm's way. You're putting them into a position where they are going to obtain a criminal record and significantly detriment their future and that's unacceptable."
Earlier, Mairs stated to BBC’s Good Morning Scotland “I want to be clear. This was not a spontaneous act of anti-social behaviour by young people.
"This was a concerted effort to attack police and emergency workers - and actually to attack the community of Niddrie - orchestrated by adults."
He reported that one arrest was made at the scene but that “hours and hours of footage” is being investigated.
Another incident around Dundee involved two police cars being struck by bricks.
Additionally, four people including one police officer were taken to a hospital in Glasgow after 20 youths began fighting and launching fireworks at each other.
First Minister Humza Yousaf posted a statement to X: "Disgraceful scenes of fireworks misuse across some areas of Scotland last night, particularly in Niddrie.
"I pay tribute to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland officers who should not be targeted and attacked for doing their job.
"Those responsible should feel the full force of the law."
