Scotland’s justice secretary has mentioned she is “open to discussion” on a ban on the sale of fireworks to the general public following widespread dysfunction on Bonfire Night.
Police and firefighters clashed with massive teams on Sunday – with fireworks and petrol bombs thrown and 21 crimes being dedicated, Angela Constance mentioned.
The emergency crews got here beneath assault in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee.
The worst dysfunction came about within the Niddrie space of Scotland’s capital.
A big group of youths and adults gathered on Hay Avenue in a repeat of dysfunction seen final 12 months within the neighbourhood.
Police mentioned round 50 children have been liable for launching fireworks, petrol bombs and different projectiles at buildings, autos and officers.
The pressure mentioned 4 officers sustained minor accidents however didn’t require hospital remedy.
In Glasgow, round 20 youths have been reportedly preventing and throwing fireworks throughout the Quarrywood Avenue space of Barmulloch.
Four individuals, together with a police officer, have been taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary for remedy.
Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland on Tuesday, Ms Constance mentioned she can be open to a ban on fireworks gross sales, though Scotland doesn’t at present maintain the powers to take action.
“I’m open-minded about it, open to discussion,” she mentioned.
“It’s not within our powers for an outright ban, but open to discussion.”
Her feedback are available in response to Edinburgh City Council chief Cammy Day, who mentioned one thing must change earlier than “someone is seriously, seriously injured”.
Police Scotland mentioned investigating officers don’t imagine the clashes have been spontaneous.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs mentioned: “Although many of those involved were youths, there were undoubtedly adults involved in orchestrating that behaviour.”
Read extra on this story:
Adults ‘undoubtedly concerned’ in orchestrating violent clashes
Speaking on Monday, First Minister Humza Yousaf, who criticised the “thuggish” and “reckless” behaviour from these concerned, mentioned he would contemplate such a transfer if it was throughout the Scottish authorities’s powers.
He added: “But it shouldn’t require the government to stop people throwing fireworks at fire officers, stopping them hurling bricks at our police officers – you don’t need legislation to know that that is unacceptable.”
Tam Baillie, former youngsters and younger individuals’s commissioner, mentioned that cuts to youth companies in disadvantaged areas may have been an element within the dysfunction.
But Ms Constance mentioned: “I would dispute that, but the point that Mr Baillie makes about prevention is an important one and this government continues to invest in preventative services.”
The justice secretary pointed to the CashBack for Communities programme, which redirects funds seized by police beneath the Proceeds of Crime Act to youth companies, and the violence discount framework as such investments.
Source: information.sky.com”