A Community Under Siege: Terrified Pollokshields Residents Last Night Demand Action After Chaotic Bonfire Night

Dozens of Locals Voice Anger and Frustration Over Fireworks Chaos at Heated Public Meeting

Special Report by Gary Fanning: A Community Under Siege: Part 1

An emergency community meeting in Pollokshields erupted with anger and frustration last night as residents recounted scenes of terror from Bonfire Night.

The meeting was told how families were forced to take cover in their homes while yobs launched industrial-grade fireworks down streets, targeting people, cars, and even police vehicles.

With police officers and fire crews retreating to avoid escalating the violence into a full-scale riot, locals say they were left defenceless in a night of mayhem that felt like a “war zone.”

The public meeting at Pollokshields Burgh Hall, above, on Monday night allowed residents to voice their concerns following a chaotic and terrifying Guy Fawkes Night.

The event was organised by Glasgow South West MP Zubir Ahmed at the request of the Pollokshields Community Council.

While Glasgow City Council representatives were unable to attend, local ward councillors Zen Ghani, Norman MacLeod, and Jon Molyneux were present.

A Community Abandoned

One angry resident said: “It was entirely predictable. Every year we tell the police where the trouble will be, and every year it’s the same places.

“We are left to lock ourselves inside our homes. This is our life year after year after year.”

Many residents were frustrated and disappointed, describing how they felt abandoned by the authorities during the height of the disorder.

Fireworks were reportedly being set off in densely populated areas until 4am, with groups of mainly adult men firing them directly at passers-by and police vehicles.

A car was set on fire, allegedly due to a firework exploding underneath it.

Local police confirmed that officers had to withdraw to avoid further escalation.

The inspector explained: “We made the difficult decision to retreat to prevent the situation from turning into a full-scale riot, as seen earlier in Edinburgh.”

A bonfire was also set in the middle of Albert Drive. Firefighters, escorted by police, approached the blaze but were advised by fire chiefs that it posed no risk to the wider public.

However, police decided to withdraw due to the threat of attack from individuals throwing fireworks.

Under siege: Fireworks set off in Pollokshaws on Bonfire Night

Authorities Under Fire

The police inspector outlined the strategy for managing fireworks in the lead-up to Bonfire Night, which included educational outreach in schools, inspections of firework retailers, and increased patrols. Despite these efforts, the night descended into chaos.

“The decision not to deploy officers on foot was based on the risk of them becoming targets,” the inspector said. “We monitored the situation via CCTV and were ready to intervene if the risk to the public increased.”

This explanation was met with disbelief from residents, who felt that their safety had been deprioritised.

One resident responded: “You say your officers would have been targets, but we are the ones who live here. We are the ones being targeted, and we need protection.”

Pollokshaws was meant to be covered by a Firework Control Zone from November 1 to November 10, but the council failed to submit the necessary paperwork in time.

Calls for Stronger Action

Residents criticised the lack of a visible police presence earlier in the evening, believing this allowed the situation to spiral out of control.

One woman said: “I was out with my partner at 5pm expecting to see officers on the streets, but it wasn’t until the fireworks started going off that we saw any police presence, and by then it was too late.”

The inspector acknowledged the criticism and said that deploying officers earlier in the evening would be considered for future events.

However, he stressed that during similar disturbances across Scotland last year, 63 officers were injured, which influenced the decision to limit foot patrols this year for safety reasons.

“We understand the frustration and anger you are feeling about what happened,” he said.

“Enquiries are being carried out to identify the individuals involved, and charges are being pursued in relation to the offences committed.”

Concerns Over Firework Sales and Regulation

The legality and availability of the fireworks used were major points of contention.

Residents expressed shock at the size and power of the explosives, with one man describing them as “more appropriate for a military ammunition dump.”

He held up a jar of shrapnel collected from his garden, saying, “These are razor-sharp and dangerous. How are fireworks like these even allowed to be sold in this country?”

Several residents called for tighter controls on the sale of fireworks, particularly from wholesale outlets, and urged authorities to shut down shops selling them without proper checks.

“Go after the suppliers,” the man added. “If you know they’re in cash-and-carry stores, shut them down. Anything less is just too soft.”

The Way Forward

Looking ahead, the inspector assured residents that their concerns had been heard and that changes would be made to next year’s strategy.

He pointed to the proposed Fireworks Control Zone, which could give authorities greater powers to act during the peak period.

“We understand the severity of the situation,” he said. “Charges are being pursued, and we hope this will serve as a deterrent for the future.”

However, many in the audience remained sceptical, with some voicing doubts that any significant change would come.

The meeting ended with calls for a more robust response next year, including stricter enforcement, increased patrols, and a tougher stance on illegal firework sales, particularly imports from countries like China.

For the residents of Pollokshields, the message was clear: they are tired of feeling unsafe in their own community during Bonfire Night and demand more decisive action from the authorities.

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