Police make 15 arrests as anti-immigration rally met with counter-protest in Glasgow

Key Points

Police make 15 arrests during ‘significant’ disorder in Glasgow
Violent clashes as anti-immigration rally met with counter protestors at Glasgow Green
Disorder strayed into city centre with Oswald Street sealed off
‘Completely unacceptable’ behaviour from disparate groups, say officers
Officers vow ‘extensive enquiries’ to identify others involved

Police have made 15 arrests after an anti-immigration rally was met by anti-racism counter-protesters in Glasgow.

Officers responded to “significant disorder from disparate groups” in the city centre on Saturday afternoon following planned demonstrations at Glasgow Green.

Police chased and held back “Unite the Clans” demonstrators who ran towards an anti-fascist group, with many on both sides wearing masks.

Punches were thrown as the anti-immigration group approached anti-racism campaigners, while projectiles were thrown into the anti-racism crowd.

Police close Oswald Street in Glasgow during protest STV News

Stand Up to Racism counter protest STV News

Helicopters circled the park, one of the city’s busiest, as police managed to separate the groups.

Disorder then moved into the city centre, and officers sealed off Oswald Street.

Police Scotland confirmed officers made 15 arrests in relation to a variety of offences, including assault, possession of offensive weapons, breach of the peace, obstruction and resisting arrest.

Extensive enquiries are under way to identify other individuals involved and further arrests will be made, officers said.

Chief Superintendent Emma Croft said: “We have seen significant disorder from disparate groups in Glasgow today at what should have been peaceful, lawful protests.

“Incidents of this nature can understandably cause a great deal of concern, and our officers took quick and decisive action to protect the public and bring the situation to conclusion.

“I want to be clear that the behaviour from many of these groups is not legitimate protest, it amounts to violence, intimidation and fear and will not be tolerated.

“Officers have recovered weapons that clearly indicate there has been an intention for premeditated disorder, violence, and intimidation. Enquiries will continue in this regard.

“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.

“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.”

“The protests and associated incidents have now concluded. We will continue to have a visible policing presence in the city centre and surrounding areas.”

Those taking part in the Unite the Clans rally chanted “send them home” and held placards reading “stop the boats”, as blue smoke billowed from the park.

It follows anti-immigration demonstrations in the Gorbals, Castlemilk, and Cranhill, as well as in Aberdeen.

The protest organisers, Unite the Clans, previously operated under the name Aberdeen Against Illegal Migration, amid rising tensions across Scotland.

Stand Up To Racism Scotland organised a counter-protest, starting an hour before the rally at Glasgow Green.

The organisation called for a “national mobilisation” at the McLennan Arch in an effort to “reclaim our streets”.

Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander said: “The scenes in Glasgow this afternoon are 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.

“Police Scotland should be commended for acting quickly to control the disruption and minimise any threats of aggression.

“As the eyes of the world fall on Glasgow with the Commonwealth Games and the city welcomes people from all over the globe, is disappointing that people are choosing to spread division rather than celebrate community, friendship and compassion.”