Edinburgh buses: Services withdrawn after fireworks thrown at buses in Gracemount

Police said pyrotechnics had been thrown at buses and cars in the Gracemount area and bins were set on fire and put in the road to block traffic.

No-one was injured, but police said the anti-social behaviour was “unacceptable”. Lothian Buses said bus services were withdrawn from Captain’s Road and Lasswade Road to protect the safety of their staff and passengers.

And Edinburgh transport convener Stephen Jenkinson called the behaviour of those responsible “awful”. He said he had been given a first-hand account of events from someone who had witnessed them.

“Basically, there were groups of young lads in balaclavas going about on scooters and bikes, firing rockets and fireworks at the buses, just causing mayhem. The police turned up and were trying to contain the situation and then these lads were firing rockets at the police.”

Lothian Buses’ No 7, 11, 31 and 400 were withdrawn from Captain’ Road and Lasswade Road

Lothian Buses posted on social media: "Lothian adopt a zero-tolerance approach to all instances of antisocial behaviour. The safety and well-being of our colleagues and customers must be our main priority.

"Tonight (15 October) unfortunately due to targeted antisocial behaviour, the following services have been withdrawn from Captain’s Road and Lasswade Road: Services 7, 11, 31 and 400.

"We sincerely apologise to any of our customers directly impacted and thank them for their patience – unfortunately, these circumstances are outwith our control. While regrettable, we will not hesitate to withdraw services from areas where the safety of our colleagues and customers is at risk."

Councillor Jenkinson tweeted his support for Lothian Buses’ decision. He wrote: “The ASB displayed last night around Gracemount was awful. LB were 100 per cent right to stop services whilst the police managed the incident and I fully support LB’s zero-tolerance approach to ASB which, let’s not forget, exists to protect their workforce and passengers alike.”

Community Policing Sergeant, Cameron Walker, said: "Officers are making extensive enquiries to identify those responsible for the antisocial behaviour in the vicinity of Captain’s Road and the wider south east area, last night. 

 "We have had a number of calls from local residents providing information, as they are rightly concerned at the serious disruption caused by the individuals who chose to set off fireworks and set fire to bins, effectively blocking the road to not only buses and cars, but also to vital services such as ambulances, fire engines and police.

​“Thankfully, no one was injured as a result of last night’s criminality, however, this behaviour is totally unacceptable, and the consequences have the potential to be far more serious.

​“We are working with our partners, including Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Lothian Buses, and the City of Edinburgh Council, to address these issues collectively and have additional patrols in the areas affected to reassure the public and deal with any further disorder.

 "I am keen to take a proactive approach to dealing with this disorder and would encourage the public to work with us to provide the information we need to target those sourcing, storing or supplying fireworks to youths.

​“I would urge parents, guardians, and the local communities to recognise the risks to the public, emergency responders, and indeed those engaging in the disorder themselves, and support us in tackling this type of behaviour.”

Council leader Cammy Day said: “I was appalled to hear reports of violence and antisocial behaviour last night and condemn any attacks on our valued Lothian Buses and Police Scotland colleagues. Whilst I’m glad that nobody was hurt, this behaviour is completely unacceptable.

“The actions of a small minority cause widespread alarm and disruption in the wider community and we won’t stand for it. I’m encouraged that the police will be undertaking further patrols in the local area in order to reassure local residents and businesses. I’d appeal directly to those in the community to help identify those responsible so they can be held to account for their actions.

“I’d also like to pay tribute to our drivers across the Lothian network who do an excellent job in keeping Edinburgh moving. Nobody should face violence at work and we’ll continue to fully support Lothian and the police to ensure their safety. We’ll continue to work closely with Lothian, the police and other partners to monitor the situation closely.”

Police said information could be passed to officers through 101 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.