Rioters fired a barrage of fireworks at a building they wrongly believed was being converted into accommodation for asylum seekers, triggering a violent Bonfire Night confrontation in which six people were arrested.
Police forces in several parts of the country faced disorder on Bonfire Night, with emergency workers targeted by fireworks as crowds gathered in the streets.
On the Meadow Well estate in North Tyneside, a large group took part in what Northumbria Police described as a pre-arranged demonstration, fuelled by false claims that the site would house migrants.
The force said several officers were injured during the unrest and six people were arrested.
Video shared online appears to show people launching repeated volleys of fireworks at a block of flats, sending bright sparks across the night sky.
Further footage from North Tyneside shows crowds outside the property, with some people apparently smashing windows and damaging a metal fence.
Riot police were sent to the estate after emergency workers came under attack from crowds firing fireworks towards the building.
Officers formed a barricade around the site in an effort to contain the unrest. The building is planned to become a supermarket with privately rented flats above it—not a house in multiple occupation for asylum seekers.
Footage shared on social media appears to show a group firing a barrage of fireworks at a block of flats, with colourful sparks lighting up the sky.
Another video from the area shows crowds outside the property, where some people appear to smash windows and damage a metal fence.
Riot police form a cordon around the building on the Meadow Well estate in North Shields.
Chief Superintendent Daniel Whyte, Northumbria Police’s area commander for North Tyneside, said: “The shocking scenes we witnessed last night in Meadow Well were completely unacceptable.
“Our officers and firefighters were met with violence, including fireworks and bricks being thrown at them and their vehicles.
“I want to recognise their commitment and professionalism, as well as the continued support we have received from our partners. We believe the disorder was linked to misinformation claiming the building would be used as a house in multiple occupation—an assertion that is not accurate.
“The site is planned for a supermarket, with flats above available for private rent.
“We are sharing this information to put an end to speculation in the community.”
He added: “The disorder, violence and damage that took place will not be tolerated.
“Our response has been swift and robust, and a full investigation is under way to identify those responsible.”
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness condemned the “minority of idiots” blamed for the violence.
She said: “These thugs apparently thought they were attacking a planned HMO, when in fact the site was destined to become a supermarket.
“This dangerous misinformation, and the way it spreads, must be tackled. The stupidity has to stop—there is no excuse for it.”
She said the emergency workers caught up in the attack “work every day to protect us” and “deserve better”.
Riot police were filmed near the disorder on the Meadow Well estate on November 5.
The crowd wrongly believed the building would be used to house asylum seekers.
A youth poses in front of a burning Police Scotland van on Greenside Street, Glasgow, on Thursday night.
A crowd gathers around a bonfire in Wester Hailes, west Edinburgh.
Police also clashed with revellers elsewhere as Bonfire Night celebrations descended into disorder in parts of the country.
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In East Sussex, 11 people were arrested during the Lewes Bonfire event, which included effigies aimed at Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and South East Water.
The alleged offences included assault, being drunk and disorderly, possession of an offensive weapon and criminal damage.
By 1am, paramedics had treated 52 people, four of whom were taken to hospital.
Sussex Police estimated that up to 20,000 people attended the parade. Lewes District Council said a 21-person crew removed about 10 tonnes of rubbish and debris overnight, helping to prepare the town for the morning.
The force said its operation had ended following another enjoyable and successful event in the town.
Councillor Wendy Maples, cabinet member for neighbourhood wellbeing, said: “Bonfire Night is a very special part of Lewes life. It brings people together and showcases the remarkable community spirit for which the town is known.
“That community effort does not finish when the final procession ends.
“Behind the scenes, our fantastic crews get straight to work, putting in an enormous effort throughout the night to clean up Lewes and have it ready for the morning.”
In southern Edinburgh, bins were set alight in the road amid trouble involving groups of young people.
Fireworks were also directed at emergency workers attempting to deal with the disorder.
One witness said: “They’re setting fires in the park and shooting fireworks at the police and firefighters.”
Revellers take part in Bonfire Night celebrations in Lewes, where 11 arrests were made across East Sussex.
A man in costume carries a burning cross during the Lewes Bonfire Night parade. Sussex Police said up to 20,000 people attended, with a clean-up operation beginning in the early hours.
A large crowd gathers in Lewes during the festivities. By 1am, paramedics had treated 52 people and taken four to hospital.
Men and women run through the streets passing flaming tar barrels during the annual Bonfire Night tradition in Ottery St Mary, Devon, on November 5.
A large bonfire burns in Ottery St Mary, Devon, on Bonfire Night.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said officers were called at about 5.30pm after reports that youths were blocking a road in the Scottish capital.
The force said: “Officers attended and fireworks were set off in their direction, but no injuries have been reported.
“Several small fires in bins and in the park were extinguished by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
“Officers remain in the area, and inquiries are continuing to trace those involved.”
Elsewhere in Edinburgh, firefighters tackled a grass fire near homes and were separately called to extinguish a bonfire.
Police Scotland mounted its largest operation since Donald Trump’s visit the previous year, bringing in officers from England and Wales to bolster numbers.
A police car was set alight in Glasgow, and one person was arrested after a paramedic was injured while attempting to treat a casualty.
Revellers directed fireworks at ambulance crews and police officers as they tried to reach the injured man.
The Bonfire Night disorder coincided with Celtic’s Europa League match against Besiktas in Glasgow, which Celtic won 3-2.
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