Mourners aimed fireworks at police

Police officers narrowly avoided being hit with fireworks after trying to disperse around 100 people who had reportedly gathered in Dundee to mourn.

The Beauly Square incident, which occurred at around 7pm on Saturday, has been label led “completely unacceptable” by police.

Streets in Kirkton were packed with cars as people congregated to pay tribute to local dad-of-three Grant Hutchison, who died at the weekend.

Police received a number of calls alerting them to the crowd and officers rushed to the scene over concerns the incident could further increase the number of Covid-19 cases in the city.

When police arrived, some of those in attendance reportedly tried to intimidate officers and aimed fireworks at them.

Chief Inspector David Mcintosh, local area commander for Dundee, said: “Luckily no one was injured during this disorder.

“However, this kind of behaviour is completely unacceptable.

“Our main priority at the time was insuring the safety of the public and our officers. However, inquiries are ongoing to identify those involved in this disturbance and take the appropriate action.

“Officers are carrying out additional patrols in the area to provide public reassurance.

“If you have any information that will assist our ongoing inquiry, please contact us on 101 quoting reference number 3383 of October 31.”

Police say those gathering in the Kirkton disturbance were mostly aged in their mid-to-late teens and early twenties. The behaviour led to public order trained officers attending to assist o ff icers a lready in attendance.

Strathmartine councillor Ian Borthwick , who represents the area, said he understood the circumstances were sensitive but stressed there is no excuse for such an event.

He said: “When one considers that in Dundee and across the country services are under great pressure, then outbursts like this are not acceptable and on ly end up endangering themselves and other people.”

He added: “We should all look at how we can live our lives in a way that respects others and keeps others safe.”

Around 100 people were dispersed at Beauly Square.