Riots that saw a school smashed up, fireworks thrown at police and several fires started in Dundee have been described as like “scenes from a war-torn nation”.
City council leader John Alexander has hit out at the “disgusting” events that unfolded in his native Kirkton on Monday night.
Balgwowan Avenue, Beauly Avenue and Gillburn Road were all blocked when yobs set piles of rubbish on fire, forcing drivers to turn round.
Fireworks and bricks were thrown at vehicles while pyrotechnics were also hurled at officers near St Paul’s RC Academy – which itself was vandalised.
It is the latest in a series of anti-social behaviour incidents in Kirkton, which Mr Alexander represents in his Strathmartine ward.
He is now seeking meetings with key officials.
The politician said: “This isn’t just a wee bonfire.
“Blocking roads with bins ablaze, smashing up cars and damaging our schools are scenes that you expect in an action movie or war-torn nation.
“I’m shocked but more than that, I’m angry.
“This reckless behaviour endangers lives, with emergency vehicles unable to pass on Balgowan Avenue and it costs residents and every taxpayer money.
“I hope that every single one of those individuals responsible is identified and dealt with appropriately.
“Given the age of many of those in the videos and images, I expect that parents will be equally as outraged and questioning their children, if they knew they were out in that area.
“Where were your kids on Monday night? Please ask them.
“As someone from the Kirkton area, this reflects badly on our whole community.
“This needs dealt with, it’s taking Kirkton back four decades. Enough is enough.”
Asked if he would be seeking to meet with police and council officials in the days ahead, Mr Alexander told The Courier: “I was in touch last night, awaiting a call from senior Police Scotland officials and I’m meeting with the [council’s] chief executive later today and other officials.
“I already had a date in the diary prior to this incident with Asda Kirkton and Police Scotland later in the week because of the behaviour we’re seeing.”
Car with 6-year-old inside hit by brick
One woman, whose car was hit with a brick, told The Courier: “I was driving at the roundabout at Old Glamis near Balgowan Avenue when this started.
“Bricks, barriers and fireworks were being thrown at vehicles.
“The side of our car was damaged while we had our six-year-old daughter in the vehicle.
“Another car had its windscreen smashed nearby. We called 999 and they said they were aware of what was going on.”
Some locals have expressed concern about the speed of the emergency services’ response to the incident, claiming police did not attend Balgowan Avenue despite pleas for help.
Firefighters and police were spotted parked in the St Paul’s RC Academy car park while events unfolded.
Both services have been contacted for comment.
The school was left with several smashed windows but it is opening as normal on Tuesday.
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