Police vow to catch violent offenders during Glasgow migration protest

Police called the levels of violence in the city centre ‘nothing short of disgraceful’.

A “significant investigation” to catch those taking part in violence in Glasgow at the weekend is under way, Police Scotland said.

The force said the disorder on Saturday was “nothing short of a disgrace” as it warned offenders taking part in “deplorable acts” will be caught.

Violence erupted at Glasgow Green and around the city centre during an anti-immigration rally that was met with anti-racism protesters.

According to officers, 1,700 people took part in the protests with 15 people arrested for offences including assault, possession of offensive weapons, breach of the peace, obstruction and resisting arrest.

Several weapons were recovered by police who attempted to separate anti-migrant and anti-racism demonstrators.

Police said groups engaged in violence, disorder, intimidation and hate-motivated offences, including a large group of around 100 people who made their way into the city centre.

One video on social media appears to show a non-white delivery driver being chased by a group of men, many masked, while one throws a traffic cone at him and they shout “get them out”.

In a statement, Police Scotland vowed to catch those responsible for the disorder.

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.”

Police have urged members of the pubic to submit information, including videos or photos, relating to the disorder on a dedicated website 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 anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Hundreds of protesters gathered at Glasgow Green, a large park on the eastern edge of the city centre, during a “Unite the Clans” protest.

Punches and projectiles were thrown as the anti-immigration group approached anti-racism campaigners, while some performed what appeared to be Nazi salutes.

A video of the anti-migrant group rushing towards an anti-fascist group was shared and supported by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.

It is the latest in a series of anti-migrant protests in Glasgow.