‘Only a matter of time’ before more Bonfire Night arrests as number soars to 43

Police have warned it is “only a matter of time” before more charges are brought against those who believe they “evaded justice” in creating disorder during Edinburgh’s Bonfire Night.

Police Scotland said on Wednesday that officers have arrested a total of 43 males across Scotland from the ages of 13 to 45 since November 5 this year.

Enquiries began a month ago when officers began trying to identify those responsible for throwing fireworks and other projectiles at members of the public, police, cars and public transport.

In Edinburgh alone, there were 32 arrests with 79 charges brought against them. The areas affected included the Gracemount, Moredun, Niddrie and Calder Road areas.

In Gracemount, 10 males aged between 14 and 45 have been charged.

In Niddrie, nine males from the ages of 15 to 34 were charged.

Nine males aged 13 to 17 were charged for disorder on Calder Road, and two males, aged 17 and 20 were charged in Moredun.

A 15-year-old male has been charged with an offence in Pilton, while a 38-year-old man was charged with an offence that took place in Broomhouse.

To date, 43 people across Scotland in total have been arrested in connection with offences related to Bonfire Night disruption.

If you think you have evaded justice because we have not yet contacted you, it’s only a matter of time

Chief superintendent David Robertson, divisional commander for Edinburgh, says more arrests will be inevitable and that members of the public can help assist with enquiries.

He said: “What we’ve seen in the wake of the disorder that took place, is a genuine desire from communities to support our efforts to identify the individuals who caused fear and alarm and hold them to account for their actions and I’m extremely grateful to everyone who has assisted our investigations.

“I made it clear that we would be unrelenting in our pursuit of those responsible for the fear, alarm and damage that was caused within parts of Edinburgh on Bonfire Night and I am reaffirming that commitment today.

“If you think you have evaded justice because we have not yet contacted you, it’s only a matter of time.”

“Members of the public with video or photographic evidence can still submit this via the Major Incident Public Portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT24S16-PO1.

“Similarly, anyone with any further information can contact us on 101, or make an anonymous report to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”