Police have begun criminal investigations into the “significant disorder" that took place across Scotland on Bonfire Night. 

The force said that detectives across the country are "following positive lines of inquiry" to identify those responsible.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said it received more than 1,000 calls from the public during an eight-hour period on Bonfire Night – with six reported attacks on fire crews within three hours.

Meanwhile, Police Scotland said it had responded to 18 incidents on Tuesday evening as part of Operation Moonbeam, which aims to deal with Bonfire Night disorder.

A Police Scotland statement read: "Certain areas of Scotland experienced significant levels of disorder, with the Niddrie, Calder Road, Gracemount and Moredun areas of Edinburgh and the Pollokshields area of Glasgow being the most adversely affected.

"In each of these regions, local policing teams and other emergency services required the assistance of Operation Moonbeam assets to tackle violence and damage being caused by large groups of youths who threw fireworks and other projectiles at officers, vehicles and public property. Fires were also set in some of these areas, causing fear and alarm to the local communities

"Other isolated incidents involving the reckless or criminal use of fireworks were also reported in various parts of both cities, including a report of 21 cars being damaged by fireworks at a car dealership in Calder Road, Edinburgh.

"In Glasgow, officers and colleagues from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service had to respond to large number of unauthorised bonfires being lit and were met with large groups of hostile youths upon their attendance."

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Police confirmed that a total of 19 arrests were made throughout Scotland in connection with firework offences. Six people have been charged under the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles Act, while a further 26 charges have been brought against individuals for associated criminality.

Further arrests are expected in the coming days, the force added.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam, said: “Now that our Bonfire Night deployments have stood down, our investigation teams will begin reviewing all the evidence we obtained through Body Worn Video, Air Support Unit footage and statements from the public.

Emergency services had to deal with “significant disorder” in Scotland’s two largest cities on Bonfire NightEmergency services had to deal with “significant disorder” in Scotland’s two largest cities on Bonfire Night (Image: Tony Marsh)

“This will help us establish the identities of those who chose to cause harm within our communities and who sought to attack and injure emergency service workers.

“While I am encouraged that we didn’t see the same levels of serious disorder, when compared to last year, I am under no illusion that that actions of a minority of individuals still had a significant and detrimental impact on various communities across Scotland.

“Their actions will not be tolerated, and detectives are working tirelessly to make arrests and ensure all of those involved in the offences we witnessed are brought to account.”

Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, added: “I made it clear following the incidents that occurred during the evening of Halloween that we’d leave no stone unturned as part of our investigations and I am reaffirming that statement today.

“Law-abiding members of the public living in Niddrie, Calder Road, Gracemount and Moredun were left terrified as serious disorder took place in their communities and vital bus services that allow safe travel across our city were violently attacked, which is entirely unacceptable.

“I am enormously grateful and immensely proud of all of the officers and staff who contributed to Operation Moonbeam.  Colleagues worked tirelessly behind the scenes and on the front line, putting themselves in harm’s way to restore order and return these areas to a state of normality as quickly as possible, but the work begins now in terms of identifying and arresting everyone responsible.

“If members of the public have information or evidence that can help with our inquiries then please contact us immediately.”

Chief Superintendent Lynn Ratcliff, Divisional Commander for Greater Glasgow Division, said: “The overwhelming majority of those within Glasgow chose to enjoy Bonfire Night in the proper spirit. However, groups of young people, motivated to cause the maximum amount of fear and alarm carried out targeted disorder in certain parts of the city.

“This put not only local residents at risk, but meant police officers, fire service personnel and ambulance crews were in danger of being injured, as they responded to protect communities. Thankfully, however, no injuries were reported.

“Detectives across Glasgow are reviewing all evidence they obtained during Bonfire Night, and working with the public to gather more information, which will help bring these offenders to justice.

“If you believe you can assist with our ongoing inquiries then please get in touch.”

A Major Incident Public Portal has also been established, allowing communities to share video and photo evidence of Bonfire Night offences taking place in their area.

Anyone with footage that can assist officers in identifying people involved in fireworks-related crime can submit it to https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT24S16-PO1.