Bonfire Night: Scottish minister 'open to discussion' on fireworks ban after Niddrie riots in Edinburgh

Angela Constance is also urging anyone with information on who is responsible for the riots to come forward

Justice secretary Angela Constance says she is “open to discussion” on calls for an outright ban on fireworks after the Bonfire Night riots.

Nine emergency workers are now known to have been injured in riots. Ms Constance is expected to update Parliament on Tuesday afternoon on the Scottish Government’s response.

Ms Constance says while it is not in the Scottish Government’s power to impose an outright ban on the sales of fireworks, she is open-minded about the idea.

A video has shown the moment riot police were attacked with fireworks in Niddrie

“I am open-minded about it,” she told the BBC. “It is not in our powers for an outright ban, but I am open to discussion.”

The justice secretary added: “The Scottish Government is supporting our courts system to be robust, where they consider that most appropriate.

“We should remember as well as the fireworks and pyrotechnics legislation, which carries a custodial sentence and hefty fines, we also have common law offences for assault and breach of the peace.

“The penalties here are unlimited – whether it’s fines or imprisonment, people can be given lengthy prison sentences.”

Drone footage of the riots in Niddrie. Picture: Press Association.

She is also urging anyone who has information about who was involved in the riots to come forward.

Around 100 youths gathered in the Niddrie area of Edinburgh on Bonfire Night, where police officers were pelted with fireworks and petrol bombs. Bricks were also thrown at police cars in Dundee.

Ms Constance said: “It is imperative we send a message to the public that if they have information about the people who are responsible and the adults who have been organising young people to attack the emergency services, it is crucial they come forward with that information.

“We know the vast majority of young people are law-abiding and a credit to their families, schools and communities. There are, of course, some young people who can be disengaged from society and are vulnerable, and are therefore at risk of exploitation.”

Justice Secretary Angela Constance. Image: Jane Barlow/Press Association.

Russell Findlay MSP, the Scottish Conservatives’ justice spokesman, is due to ask the Government what its response to the riots is at topical questions, which is due to take place at 2pm on Tuesday 7 November.