First Minister Humza Yousaf has condemned the "disgraceful scenes of fireworks misuse" across parts of Scotland on Bonfire Night and says all those who attacked police and fire crews "should feel the full force of the law".
Firefighters were attacked and eight police officers were injured during disorder on Sunday in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee.
Around 100 youths gathered on Hay Avenue in the capital's Niddrie area just before 5pm in a repeat of disorder seen last year in the neighbourhood.
Officers in riot gear attended the scene.
Police say around 50 people were responsible for launching fireworks, petrol bombs and other projectiles at buildings, vehicles and officers.
Perpetrators were branded "thugs" - and Police Scotland said its staff were subject to "unprecedented levels of violence".
On Monday morning, Scotland's first minister hit out at the disorder.
Posting on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Yousaf said: "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."
Drone footage in Edinburgh showed a line of police officers with riot shields standing in front of vans with blue lights flashing.
A mob of young people clad in black gathered on grass in front of them, and began throwing pyrotechnics.
The police retreated as a petrol bomb hit the ground in front of them and fireworks exploded.
The assault continued, with missiles forcing police to shuffle backwards.
The officers then ran at the assailants, in footage filmed from a nearby sports centre.
Last year, motorbike gangs terrorised Niddrie on Bonfire Night while fireworks were thrown.
In 2018, Police Scotland set up Operation Moonbeam to tackle Bonfire Night chaos - and on Halloween, riot police were on the ground in Dundee after children as young as 10 set off fireworks.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs said: "The overwhelming majority of Scotland enjoyed Bonfire Night safely and responsibly, but once again, a minority of individuals have been responsible for an unacceptable and frankly, disgusting level of disorder that left communities alarmed and police officers injured."
He added: "The violent nature of the situation witnessed in the Niddrie area of Edinburgh is extremely concerning, not least because it is believed young people were being actively encouraged and coordinated by adults to target officers while they carried out their duties."
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On Sunday, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) received more than 892 calls from the public and operations control mobilised firefighters to around 355 bonfires across the country between 3.30pm and midnight.
No firefighters were injured, but a fire appliance in West Lothian had a windscreen smashed by a brick and had to be removed from operational service.
Andy Watt, SFRS assistant chief officer, said: "Attacks on our firefighters are completely unacceptable.
"Our staff should be able to carry out their role without being attacked. It is disappointing that people have tried to hurt firefighters and have damaged our appliances.
"This type of behaviour not only prevents our crews from bringing any emergency to a safe and swift conclusion, but it can impact on our emergency service colleagues - including the police - when they are supporting us on scene to ensure the safety of our personnel."
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2023-11-06 07:34:38Z
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