Two people have been charged following Bonfire Night disorder in Glasgow.
Emergency services faced chaotic scenes in the Pollokshields area in the city’s southside on November 5. Groups of youths targeted police officers, vehicles, and properties with projectiles, including fireworks and bricks.
No cops were injured but the incidents caused “significant disruption and alarm to the public” and a probe was quickly launched to identify those involved.
Officers have now confirmed that a 20-year-old man and a 17-year-old youth have been charged in connection.
Shocking images taken the following day showed the aftermath of a night of carnage after a bonfire was lit in the middle of a road in the area. Images from the scene at the junction of Albert Drive and Harriet Street showed the charred road covered in blackened debris.
The drama unfolded after plans for a control zone in the area collapsed. The move followed previous incidents in the area, but saw Glasgow City Council apologising to residents after paperwork was not submitted in time.
Police have examined a significant amount of CCTV as part of ongoing inquiries but they are continuing to appeal for information.
Chief Superintendent Lynn Ratcliff, Divisional Commander for Greater Glasgow Division, said: “We said in the wake of the disorder we experienced that everyone responsible would be brought to justice and that remains the case.
“Significant investigative resources are being dedicated for identifying all of those involved in the offences we witnessed, and we will be unfaltering in our pursuit of these individuals.
“The public have a really important role to play by sharing any information or evidence they have relating to the disorder. They can do this via our Major Incident Public Portal, calling 101, or making an anonymous report to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Violence also erupted at significant levels in the Niddrie, Calder Road, Gracemount and Moredun areas ofEdinburgh on November 5. Police released footage of large groups of youths launching fireworks and other projectiles at officers, vehicles and public property while fires were also set in some of these areas.
In total 13 people have been charged, five homes have been searched and two vehicles seized following offences that took place between Halloween and Bonfire Night in the capital. Cops say further arrests are expected as inquiries continue.
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