Police Federation describes behaviour of youths who attacked officers as ‘disgraceful’

 

The Scottish Police Federation has described the violence toward officers on bonfire night in Edinburgh as ‘disgraceful’.Gangs of  youths attacked officers with bricks, boulders and rockets and one suffered serious burns from a firework during a series of incidents in the Drylaw, Muirhouse and Craigentinny throughout Sunday night.

Andy Malcolm, East Area Chairman of the SPF, said: “Police officers in Edinburgh have been subject to the most horrific violence. We have officers who have been bricked, stoned, burned and now stabbed.

“It is disgraceful that officers have suffered grievous injury yet remarkable that the numbers of those who have is so low.

“Officers found themselves targeted by gangs of youths, the levels of violence and disorder were similar to a riot and officers found themselves in life-threatening situations.”

He continued: “Officers found their vehicles being bricked and surrounded by gangs of youths trying to break in and attack them.

“Several vehicles were damaged and sustained smashed windscreens and damaged panels. They are now off the road pending repair.”