Top cop has called Bonfire Night disorder in Pollokshields 'unprecedented'

The Evening Times told how around 30 to 40 youths set off industrial style fireworks in the community to the horror of residents.

Chief Inspector Ross Allan, Area Commander for the South East of the city, has now said rockets let off during the incident were four to five feet long.

He said: “They put my officers at risk, they put members of the public at risk and they put themselves at risk.

“There have been some videos shared on social media but I have seen other videos and the content is unbelievable.

“This event was unprecedented and it was frightening for officers involved.

“Where the fireworks came from and who is selling them is something we are investigating.”

Prior to November 5 police officers and fire crews had visited schools in Pollokshields and Govanhill to talk about the dangers of fireworks.

They also visited previous offenders to speak to them ahead of the night to try to prevent the issue arising.

Locals said such scenes have occurred in previous years but not to this scale.

But on Monday night yobs in balaclavas set off rockets along Herriet Street and Albert Drive, causing damage to cars and properties.

Police were forced to retreat and riot police called in, in scenes that terrified local residents.

A 17-year-old will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with the incident.

Mr Allan said enquiries are continuing and those involved will be caught.

He added: “There is a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated.”