Bins and roadblocks have been melted to the ground in the shocking aftermath of blindsiding riots in Dundee.
Feral youths wreaked havoc in the city last night by torching roads with fireworks and launching pyrotechnics in the direction of emergency service workers. Vehicles, shops and a local school were targeted during firebomb chaos on Halloween as streets have been left strewn in smoking hot debris from the night before.
Piles of smoked rubbish have been pictured on roadsides across the city as yobs set fire to the streets. Firefighters worked overnight to contain several blazes after crews were called to Balgowan Avenue at 5.30pm yesterday.
Several emergency service materials were drafted into the incidents, including riot cops, two fire engines and a police helicopter. Police Scotland confirmed that one police officer was injured during the disorder.
While no arrests have been made yet, inquiries are ongoing to identify everyone involved.
Chief Superintendent Phil Davison said: “There is no justification for the behaviour and disorder which was seen in the Kirkton area of Dundee last night. Inquiries are ongoing to identify everyone involved.
“Throwing fireworks and other items towards emergency services is reckless and dangerous. No one should go to work and expect to be attacked.
“One officer suffered a minor injury and damage was caused to a school and a number of vehicles. I would like to reassure the public of Dundee that we remain committed to keeping them safe as we understand last night’s behaviour must have been really distressing for residents in the areas.
“We have a range of highly-trained public order officers available to policing commanders across Scotland to enhance resources and deal with any issues that arise. Officers will be patrolling the local areas to provide public reassurance."
Meanwhile, Dundee City Council leader, councillor John Alexander, blasted the scenes as 'absolutely disgusting', calling for a ban on the sale of fireworks within the city.
Cllr Alexander said: “This reckless behaviour endangers lives, with emergency vehicles unable to pass on Balgowan Avenue and it costs residents and every taxpayer money. I hope that every single one of those individuals responsible is identified and dealt with appropriately.
“Given the age of many of those in the videos and images (I guess), I expect that parents will be equally as outraged and questioning their children, if they knew they were out in that area tonight. Where were your kids tonight? Please ask them.”
He added: "Dozens of residents have been in contact, understandably, after last night's incident in Kirkton. They are looking for answers and reassurance. I have been in direct communication with Tayside police and officers within Dundee Council on both counts.
"I've also been in contact with local supermarkets, as I want to see the sale of fireworks suspended across Dundee. Some may claim that to be a knee jerk reaction but at this point, I think it a necessary measure to address genuine fear, alarm and concern.
"As someone born and raised in Kirkton, where my parents still live, I can say that this doesn't reflect our community. I loved growing up in Kirkton and we must not allow a repeat of, what can only be described as, anarchy.
"All those responsible MUST face consequences."
Cllr Alexander added that Asda had already agreed to suspend the sale of fireworks.
Anybody who knows anyone involved in the disorder, or anybody who has any information on the riots, is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101.
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