Police have decended on an Edinburgh community ahead of Bonfire Night with multiple riot vans and public order officers in attendance.
Officer sare stationed on Niddrie Mains Road and Hay Drive, areas that have experienced violent unrest on November 5 in recent years, reports Edinburgh Live.
On Halloween, October 31, officers faced attacks from youths armed with fireworks and bricks, resulting in injuries to one female officer during the chaos on Hay Drive.
Similar disturbances occurred last year, with the community in lockdown as gangs of youths clashed with riot police and damaged buses. Additional incidents of disorder took place on Captains Drive in Gracemount and Broomhouse.
Photos from Tuesday afternoon show police engaging with local residents and confirming that intelligence has prompted the use of Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act. This measure allows officers to stop and search individuals suspected of intending to cause harm or engage in disorder.
Police Scotland confirmed that stop and search powers will also be exercised in Moredun and Gracemount, areas that have recently seen increased antisocial behavior. A spokesperson stated: “Based on intelligence about planned disorder and firework-related crime in Moredun, Niddrie, and Gracemount, we are implementing Section 60 powers. Please report any concerns regarding firework-related criminal activity to us.”
At approximately 5pm on Tuesday, Lothian Buses announced the suspension of all services through Niddrie for the remainder of the day, citing safety concerns. Affected routes include numbers 2, 12, 14, 21, 30, 46, 48, and 400.
Additionally, Craigmillar Medical Group announced an early closure, stating on social media that the surgery would reopen at 8am on Wednesday.
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond – Sign up to our daily newsletterhere.