Police vow to catch hundreds involved in 'disgraceful' disorder in Glasgow

Police have vowed to catch hundreds of people involved in “disgraceful” disorder after an anti-immigration rally was met by anti-racism counter-protesters in Glasgow.

Officers responded to “disorder, violence, intimidation and hate-motivated offences” in the city centre on Saturday afternoon following planned demonstrations involving around 1,700 people 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.

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

Disorder involving a group of approximately 100 people then moved into the city centre, and officers sealed off Oswald Street.

On Saturday, 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.

Now officers have vowed to catch anyone involved in the disorder as extensive enquiries through CCTV, mobile phone and dashcam footage are ongoing.

Police close Oswald Street in Glasgow during protest STV News

Chief Superintendent Emma Croft said: “The level of disorder, violence and intimidation we saw in Glasgow on Saturday was nothing short of disgraceful.

“People have the right to express their views lawfully and to protest peacefully, however the behaviour we saw from those involved in the disorder was not legitimate protest but rather acts of aggression to cause fear in our communities.

“A significant investigation is already under way and my message is clear – if you were involved in these deplorable acts, you should expect our officers to be knocking on your door.

“We understand how concerning witnessing the disorder must have been and we would urge any members of the public with information, including mobile phone and dashcam footage, to please pass this on to us.

“We will continue to have a visible policing presence in the city centre and surrounding areas. Anyone with any concerns can approach our officers out on patrol who will be happy to assist.”

A Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) has been set up to encourage members of the public to submit information directly to officers.

Police are appealing to anyone with footage or photos of criminality related to the disorder in Glasgow on Saturday to upload it using the online form here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT26S14-PO1

Information can also be passed to Police Scotland via 101 quoting Operation Cornstarch. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.

Glasgow & West

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

Police responded to ‘significant disorder from disparate groups’ in the city centre on Saturday afternoon

Anti-immigration rally meets counter protest

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.