Police have launched an investigation after two people were injured and cop cars damaged when an angry mob targeted a home in Dumbarton's Brucehill last night (February 28).
Up to 300 people gathered on Graham Road and videos posted online show fireworks being set off close to homes in the residential street.
Refusing to disperse when requested by officers, the crowd threw objects, including bricks, at officers and the property.
Police are seen in footage standing in a line around the property as they attempted to push people back.
The occupants were removed by the police, and the property is currently boarded up.
Officers now say the incident is said to be as a result of 'inaccurate information circulating online'.
Two men were injured, one of whom was rushed to the Royal Alexandra Hospital. Several police vehicles were damaged in the disturbance, with those vehicles now being out of action until they are repaired.
No arrests have been made at this time and an investigation is under way.
Area Commander Chief Inspector Ryan McMurdo said: “What happened in Graham Road last night is totally unacceptable and I understand the fear and alarm it will have caused. I want to reassure the public a team of officers is working on the investigation to identify those involved and I have every confidence they will find those responsible.
“Due to last night’s incident, several police vehicles are out of service today, directly impacting local policing.
“As a police officer, I will always uphold the rights of those who wish to engage in a peaceful protest. However, when that behaviour descends into criminality, resulting in the scenes we witnessed last night, then I will act and ensure those responsible will face the consequences of their actions.”
Detective Inspector Karen Cameron said: “We continue to carry out door-to-door enquiries and a search of the area will be conducted today. I would like to appeal to anyone with information or recorded footage of the incident to contact us. We have set up a mailbox for the public to contact us and email any images to OperationIridescent@scotland.police.uk.”
Police Scotland say that officers will remain in the area to provide reassurance for local residents.
Anyone with concerns can approach these officers. Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2892 of 28 February, 2023. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to give your information anonymously.
