Fifteen arrested as anti-immigration and anti-racism protesters clash in Glasgow
At least 1000 anti-racism demonstrators gathered in Glasgow ahead of an anti-immigration protest organised by a far-right political group, prompting clashes and disorder
Fifteen people have been arrested after disorder broke out when anti-immigration and anti-racism protestors clashed in Glasgow on Saturday, Police Scotland says.
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At least 1000 anti-racism demonstrators gathered on Glasgow Green at around 11am on Saturday, ahead of an anti-immigration protest organised by far-right political group Unite the Clans.
Tensions between the two groups prompted a police response, which separated the two groups, which comprised hundreds of people.
Officers were deployed both inside and around the park to keep the groups apart, with some on horseback, while a helicopter circled above.
Police made arrests in relation to a range of offences including assault, possession of offensive weapons, breach of the peace, obstruction and resisting arrest.
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Enquiries are underway to identify other individuals involved and further arrests will be made.
Videos of the protest show skirmishes between groups, as police draw their batons to control protestors. Multiple arrests have been made, according to Police Scotland.
This comes after weeks of tensions about immigration, which police say has been exacerbated by misinformation being spread about the topic online.
The Unite the Clans previously made headlines in March when it held a protest outside Scottish Parliament, calling on “patriots” to meet from across the country.
The group described its Glasgow rally as “peaceful” and invited those from related groups in Perth, Dundee, Edinburgh and elsewhere in England to join them.
Unite the Clans was described by Stand Up to Racism as a fascist organisation seeking to “build a street movement”.
The anti-racism group played music including Abba’s “Dancing Queen”, and saw some protestors give speeches.
Some demonstrators waved signs with anti-racist messages, and others waved Palestine flags. At one point, protestors attempted to march but were turned away by police.
The Unite the Clans protest also played music, sang, chanted and made speeches. Many waved flags showing anti-immigration messages, while others held Saltires or Lion Rampant flags.
Some released flares with blue and white smoke, and men with balaclavas were seen in the crowd.
Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander described the scenes in Glasgow as "wholly unacceptable".
"For the second time in as many months, members of the public in the city centre have faced serious and concerning disorder by protestors who want to spread division and fear," she said.
She commended Police Scotland for "acting quickly to control the disruption and minimise any threats of aggression" and called for people to "celebrate community, friendship and compassion" over division.
Police Scotland's Chief Superintendent Emma Croft condemned the behaviours of some protestors, which she said amounted to "violence, intimidation and fear", rather than legitimate protest, which she said would "not be tolerated".
“This is completely unacceptable behaviour and those involved should be in no doubt that they will be identified and held to account for their actions.
She went on: “At a time when Glasgow should be shown at its best, it is extremely disappointing to once again be dealing with violence and disorder that attempts to create unease in our communities.”