Police officers plan legal claim after Bonfire Night attack

Mr Kennedy said the SPF planned to gather information before taking legal and medical advice for a personal injury claim against Police Scotland.

“But it’s looking like a legal claim will be forthcoming,” he added.

“On health and safety, we have to make sure it doesn’t happen again and officers have the appropriate equipment and proper hearing aids that will allow them to do their job safely.”

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs is the gold commander for Operation Moonbeam, which was launched in 2018 to deal with the high levels of public disorder around Bonfire Night each year.

He told BBC Scotland News the force was committed to protecting officers and staff from injury and harm while on duty.

He said: “Prior to Operation Moonbeam 2023, Police Scotland purchased new noise-cancelling ear defenders, which are designed to protect our officers’ hearing without compromising their ability to hear routine sounds or conversations in a noisy environment.

“These had not been public order tested in time for use during the operation, but have since been provided to officers deployed for policing the Hogmanay street party, sporting events and other major operations.”

He said 34 officers reported hearing issues after Bonfire Night and a full rollout of new noise defenders was under way for all officers.