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SNP justice chief faces demand for nationwide fireworks ban after Kirkton riots

Keith Brown responded to the chaos in Kirkton.
Keith Brown responded to the chaos in Kirkton. Image: PA.

SNP justice minister Keith Brown was quizzed over calls for a temporary national fireworks ban following Monday night’s Kirkton carnage.

Dundee MSPs rallied for tougher restrictions ahead of Bonfire Night after yobs threw explosives at police and families, smashed up a school and started fires.

Terrified residents in the city are dreading November 5.

And the shocking riots were compared to “scenes from a war-torn nation” as thugs left a trail of destruction in their wake.

Several streets were blocked off by riot police as bins were set alight at around 5.30pm and pyrotechnics were hurled at St Paul’s RC Academy.

Riot police in Kirkton.
Riot police in Kirkton.
Officers were attacked with pyrotechnics
Yobs attacked officers with pyrotechnics.

One officer was injured in the violence and a police helicopter was sent to the scene.

Answering urgent questions at Holyrood on Tuesday, justice chief Mr Brown condemned the disgraceful scenes and said extra police and firefighters would be sent to the city over the weekend.

But he stopped short of endorsing cross-party calls for a nationwide ban on selling fireworks in shops until new SNP laws are fully in place.

The riots were compared to scenes from a ‘war-torn nation’.

It comes as Tesco and Asda both confirmed they would voluntarily stop the sale of pyrotechnics in their Dundee stores to ensure no follow-up mayhem.

Mr Brown said: “The decision on whether to withdraw legally available products is one for the supermarkets involved.

“It’s different for different retailers. Some small retailers – it can be a large part of their income.”

The SNP brought in a new fireworks act in June which toughens up punishments for those who sell explosives to underage teenagers.

Joe Fitzpatrick
Joe Fitzpatrick called for a nationwide ban until SNP laws are fully in place. Image: Kris Miller.

The party’s Dundee City West MSP, Joe FitzPatrick, wants all retailers to cease selling pyrotechnics while elements of the law are yet to take effect.

Dundee-based Labour MSP Michael Marra insisted worried locals would have more “confidence” ahead of Bonfire Night if all retailers halted sales.

Earlier, North East Tory MSP Maurice Golden said he fears the Kirkton mayhem could be mimicked in other areas on November 5.

He told The Courier: “To have riot police on the streets anywhere in Scotland is extremely concerning, and to have it right on our own doorstep just brings it home.

Maurice Golden
Maurice Golden condemned the riots.

“There’s a week ahead and lots of nights including the weekend where this sort of thing could be replicated or mimicked in other communities.”

The rioters were also slammed by Dundee council chief John Alexander, who accused them of endangering lives with their recklessness.

Mr Brown assured MSPs that police would be prepared for any further chaos over the weekend.

Police prepared for weekend

He said: “They’ve also given me assurances around proposed plans for this coming weekend.

“From those that had first hand experience they were grateful for the rapid deployment of police officers from elsewhere to bolster the efforts of local police officers.

“That will be factored into the police’s response over the course of next weekend, in particular November 4 and 5.

“The resources that will be available in Dundee this weekend are being augmented in light of the actions that happened last night.”

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