Dundee’s council leader says there will be a “significant” police presence on streets across the city on Bonfire Night in a bid to avoid a repeat of the Kirkton riots.
John Alexander has held meetings this week with Police Scotland and other officials after the disorder on Halloween.
Fires were started, fireworks were thrown at police and drivers, and a school and cars were vandalised throughout Monday night.
One 16-year-old boy has been charged so far and another reported to prosecutors over the events.
Following the incidents, locals have expressed concerns about what might happen on Saturday – with Kirkton a regular hotspot for disorder on November 5 in previous years.
Speaking on The Courier Daily podcast, Mr Alexander said there will be efforts to ensure there is not a second night of anti-social behaviour – or copycat incidents elsewhere in the city.
He said:Â “A number of things have since been agreed in talks with Police Scotland and other partners.
“First and foremost it is about reassurance for the community and not just the community in Kirkton.
“We could see incidents occur across the city as we have done for a considerable number of years.
‘Significant’ police presence agreed for Bonfire Night
“It is important there is a significant police and community safety officer presence in Dundee on Saturday night.
“That has been agreed. We will continue to see a significant presence to ensure these incidents don’t reoccur.”
Mr Alexander hopes the banning of the sale of fireworks in several supermarkets across Dundee will help reduce the likelihood of further disorder.
The politician – who plans to hold a debrief with various authorities next week – has also vowed to look at the wider social issues that may have contributed to Monday’s riots.
He admits he shares concerns about rising anti-social behaviour in Dundee, saying he even had to help put out a fire started by youths in the city centre last weekend.
He added: “I also believe that a lot of the issues are linked to poverty and deprivation and the challenges are there in the terms of the cost of living crisis.
“However, there are things we can do and opportunities to engage with young people to divert that kind of behaviour [so] that they are not ruining their own life opportunities.”
