Locals in the Kirkton area of Dundee got their Guy Fawkes Night celebrations under way by starting a huge bonfire and setting off fireworks.
Police visited the site earlier as couches and wooden pallets were loaded into a pile and stacked against a tree in Beauly Avenue.
Pictures from the area show a large bonfire has now been lit, with fireworks being let off nearby.
One local said: “There have been a few fireworks launched across the street and people have run.
“But most of it has gone up in the air. There hasn’t been any police or fire service engaging with it at all.
“Younger kids seem to have stepped back, I think because of the fireworks and a few being a wee bit astray.”
Residents of Kirkton in Dundee have organised their own unofficial bonfire night celebrations in previous years.
A spokesman for Police Scotland said officers were in attendance shortly after 5pm following reports of an unofficial bonfire.
Police visit
Chaos has been reported in previous years in the area, with young people “left in tears” as fireworks were thrown at police officers.
Video footage posted online in November 2020 of the large-scale disturbance showed young people drinking, shouting, setting fireworks alight and revving their cars.
Police Scotland said officers were working with local community wardens to prevent similar disruption this year.
Speaking exclusively to The Courier, Chief Inspector Graham Binnie – who is overseeing police arrangements for Bonfire Night across Tayside – said there will be plenty of resources on the ground to help keep people safe.
He said: “Despite COP26 we have great resources to maintain business as usual.
“We have vehicles working in conjunction with the fire service to triage areas of concern.
Less than 2hrs in to Bonfire Night & 3 attacks so far with 1 of these requiring a visit to hospital. Please do not attack @fire_scot firefighters who are only doing their job. In fact, why attack any emergency service worker when we are here to protect you from harm? https://t.co/yGqVtyaEvx
— Martin Blunden (@FireScot_Chief) November 5, 2021
“COP26 has led to the deployment of many officers but we do have the option to call on them for support should we need to.
“There has been planning for public order resources to be available.”
Bonfire Night: Top Tayside police officer reveals COP26 impact and makes ‘business as usual’ pledge
