Terrified residents 'afraid to walk home at night' over cruel firework attacks

Neighbours on Hay Avenue in Edinburgh said they are 'terrified' and feared more violence ahead of Bonfire Night after gangs of youths began throwing fireworks on Halloween

Residents of a UK city have said they are 'terrified' after they were targeted by gangs of youths launching fireworks on Halloween.

The attacks took place at Hay Avenue in the Niddrie area of Edinburgh on October 31, forcing the area to be "locked down". Local people have since said they fear further attacks in the lead-up to Bonfire Night, and have told how ongoing violence has led them to "want to move away" from the area. One man living nearby described the disturbance as "horrendous", and told Edinburgh Live: "It's like this every year and it's getting worse, it's just disgusting to be honest.

"It started a few nights ago and it's been so loud, they were setting fire to the roundabouts and it was scary for the kids trick-or-treating. The kids were screaming and I shouted to the boys to let the children through. I can only imagine it will get worse over the next week."

Another local woman said she feels sorry for the police. She added: "I normally take my dog out at night but never past 9pm, I don't want to go out in the park. I'm working on the fifth of November, but I'll probably get picked up so I don't have to walk home.

She said the attacks were scary because "the kids will even shoot the fireworks at your house." The woman has lived on Hay Avenue for 11 years and reported that violence has ramped up in the past two years, adding: "It's too horrible, there is lots of tension. I'm already worried about Bonfire Night. We want change in the area. You can't live properly with this going on. Yesterday I was really afraid." The woman said she has since put a security camera in her window to deter would-be assailants.

Anothe Niddrie resident said she saw the "young team" running around as she lives on the same street as them. She believe the youths have the "potential to be a part of society and redeem themselves", but spoke of her fears for bonfire night and said: "I don't know what's going on with them. Where are their parents? As a community, why are we not taking a stance?

"I've got a 10 year old little boy and this is the kind of example they are setting? It just makes people scared. It's a shame, something must be in the water, are they bred to just be mischievous? I am a bit wary of November 5th, it's just embarrassing."

The area has endured repeated attacks in past years. In 2022, police said they received received 483 calls as disorder broke out and youths threw petrol bombs. Edinburgh Council has designated the neighbourhood a Firework Control Zone, meaning pyrotechnics are not permitted unless the display is licensed through the local authority.