Police to use stop and search powers to tackle Bonfire Night disorder in Edinburgh

Police will use stop and search powers in certain areas of Edinburgh in a bid to intercept planned disorder on Bonfire Night.

The force warned those suspected of planning firework-related anti-social behaviour in the Gracemount, Moredun and Niddrie areas would be searched after receiving “intelligence” of potential trouble.

Bus operator Lothian withdrew services from Niddrie at about 17:00 as a “preventative measure”. The area was where a police officer was injured and buses were damaged by pyrotechnics on Halloween night.

Control zones banning the use of fireworks in certain areas of the city are in place until 10 November for the first time.

Buses were also diverted in Gilmerton and in Musselburgh, East Lothian, between Pinkie Road and Newbigging due to what the operator called anti-social behaviour.

The transport operator said it had taken the “difficult decision” to divert services away from Niddrie on Tuesday evening due to “circumstances outwith their control”.

By early evening, there was already a significant police presence on the streets, with vans and other vehicles parked near to previously problematic streets.

Police used several vans to block Niddrie Mains Road between Duddingston Road West and Duddingston Park South and the public were asked to avoid the area.

Community groups have also assisted local officers in the Niddrie area following reports of youths throwing fireworks at vehicles.

A community bonfire event is to take place at the Sandy’s Community Centre in nearby Craigmillar.

Officers are allowed to search those they believe to be under “reasonable suspicion” of committing a crime, planning to commit a crime or in possession of a “prohibited article” under section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

Elsewhere, Police Scotland said a 25-year-old man was arrested and a “significant quantity” of fireworks seized after a search of a van in the Drumchapel area of Glasgow.

The force said the fireworks were being sold the general public, including to under-age children.

One police officer was taken to hospital when the window of a police vehicle she was sitting in was shattered in the Hay Avenue area.

Police also responded to incidents at Moredunvale Road, Southhouse Road, Captain’s Road and West Pilton Park on 31 October.