COPS HIT WITH ROCKET STORM

Brave officers face down firework thugs

- SARAH VESTY

RIOT police were blasted with petrol bombs and fireworks in a clash with 100 youths during Bonfire Night.

Terrifying footage emerged showing officers being struck by lit fireworks and flaming projectiles during a rampage in the Niddrie area of Edinburgh yesterday.

Carnage broke out in the Hay Avenue area after a group of masked youths repeatedly let off the explosives in the direction of officers.

Officers clad in riot gear were forced to form a line of defence as several rockets struck their shields. Rockets were also seen hitting nearby houses and cars.

A separate clip, filmed by one of the youths, shows the masked youngsters laughing as they aimed fireworks towards cops.

One male shouts "get it on his head" seconds before a rocket explodes near police.