Kirkton riots: Police chief reveals ‘fear’ among officers dealing with Dundee Halloween incidents

Dundee’s police chief has praised the bravery of officers dealing with riots on Halloween and reveals many feared for their own safety.

Chief Inspector Ross Fitzgerald, who was at the scene in Kirkton on Monday night, says anyone planning a repeat of the shameful behaviour should think about the impact on their own community.

Riot police were called in to deal with shocking scenes that saw bonfires started on roads, a shop window vandalised and fireworks launched at police.

The high ranking officer was speaking ahead of Bonfire Night on Saturday when it’s feared more anti-social behaviour could occur.

He said: “I spoke to officers (on Monday) who were in attendance.

“It’s no exaggeration to say there was genuine concern and fear among those officers.

“I would take this opportunity to thank them for their bravery, courage and determination to keep people safe in the Kirkton area.

“There is absolutely an impact on those staff members who feel they are part of that community as well as policing it.

“They are clearly determined to make sure community members are safe this weekend.”

Fears of repeat incidents

Local figures have been reacting to the devastation caused on Monday in Kirkton where a school and a car were also smashed up.

Officers were faced with fearless groups who took over the area for hours around Balgowan Avenue and Beauly Avenue.

Several blazes were started by yobs, forcing drivers to avoid roads and drive on grass verges.

Council leader John Alexander said the scenes were like something from a “war-torn nation” while another councillor claimed Dundee’s blossoming reputation as a tourist destination may have been set back years.

A 16-year-old male, a 15-year-old male and a 28-year-old woman were due to appear at Dundee Sheriff Court in connection with the incidents.

But all three were liberated by the fiscal’s office as investigations continue and are due to appear in the court at a later date.

Ch Insp Fitzgerald added: “For any of those who are minded to break the law and cause further disorder, I would ask them to reflect on their actions after Monday and reflect on the fear, alarm and anxiety that community members have clearly expressed.

“I would ask them to consider the impact their behaviour has had on their own neighbours, their own friends and their own family members, and really think twice before they leave the house with a view to committing further acts of disorder.

“The scenes seen were a disgrace. They were criminal and we will be pursuing those responsible for those actions.

“It is certainly against the wishes of their own community and does nothing other than damage the reputation of the city as a whole.”

Extra resources in Dundee

Locals have been left fearing more incidents after years of anti-social behaviour in Kirkton.

Police Scotland’s national Bonfire Night Operation Moonbeam means various contingencies are in place across the country ahead of the weekend.

And Ch Insp Fitzgerald says significant resources have been pulled into Dundee from other divisions this weekend as a precaution.

He said: “We have been engaging with our communities throughout the week and I’m absolutely confident we have the resources in place to deliver a safe weekend for the people of Dundee.

“We have a responsibility to police the whole city, and I appreciate Kirkton has been the focus this week, but we’ve not taken our eye off the ball in terms of the safety and security of residents throughout the city.”