COPS PUT A ROCKET UP THEM

Four teenagers, two men and a woman are held during swoop | It follows major Bonfire Night disturbances across Scotland

- MARK MCGIVERN

A SERIES of dawn raids were carried out by police yesterday in the hunt for the thugs behind Scotland's firework riots.

The crackdown came after communities throughout Scotland witnessed disturbing scenes on Bonfire Night, with fireworks set off in public places and used to attack police, fire crews and shops.

The latest raids yesterday morning involved 20 officers and the arrest of four teenagers before they could set off for school.

Three other adults, including a 39-year-old woman, were nicked in the operation.

All seven of those arrested have been charged with disorder offences.

The Daily Record joined an Operation Moonbeam squad of uniformed and plainclothes officers, coordinated at Gorbals police station in Glasgow.

Two men aged 24 and 19, the 39-year-old woman, two 14-year-old boys and boys aged 15 and 16 were arrested.

Inspector Graeme Hogg, who led the crackdown, said: "After the events of November 5, we made a commitment to the people of Pollokshields and elsewhere that we would take action against the people who have been determined to wreak havoc.

"We said we would identify who was responsible and we have spent many hours gathering evidence via CCTV and private videos shot by local people.

"We have also acted on information provided by concerned members of the public about alleged offenders.

"The result of our investigation so far is that this morning we have arrested a further seven people in relation to disorder connected to fireworks." The aim, he said, was to "put out a message" to those involved in disorder or who would consider being involved.

He added: "Moving forward, we will carry out extensive inquiries to identify any other potential offenders and the inquiry will be continuing. It is expected there will be further arrests Inspector Hogg said many months had been spent before November engaging with communities and partners in efforts to keep people safe.