Revellers injured in ‘firework blast’
Man arrested over Hogmanay incident
Published:
A POLICE officer and revellers were injured when a firework was allegedly set off at Aberdeen’s Hogmanay street party.
One woman was said to have been left with blood “pouring” from a head wound.
Police said the firework was allegedly set off just minutes after midnight, as 20,000 people watched the celebrations at the Castlegate.
Several people, including a police officer, were hurt in the incident.
A 27-year-old man was arrested and remanded in custody in connection with the alleged incident.
He is due to appear in court tomorrow.
One party-goer, who did not want to be named, said the firework went off in the middle of the Castlegate crowd.
He said: “It was after the bells, maybe between 12.15 and 12.30am. The firework fizzed through the air then tumbled about on the ground for a few seconds.
“There were people screaming then it exploded. I think a woman got the worst of it and her head was pouring with blood.
“It was right in the middle of the crowd, about 15ft from the front of the stage.”
Despite the incident, police said they were pleased with how the event went overall and thanked the “overwhelming majority” of the 20,000-strong crowd who behaved responsibly and with good nature.
Superintendent Adrian Watson, who was police commander on the night, said: “I am delighted that the event was so well attended and those who came along enjoyed such a great entertainment line-up.
“There were relatively few arrests, these were mainly for alcohol-related public disorder and included alleged firework offences.
“However, all in all, Grampian Police is pleased that the event was such a success and thanks the overwhelming majority who attended for their responsible behaviour and good nature on the night.”
