Two people have been arrested at an angry demonstration in Dumbarton over a convicted murderer moving into the community.

Local residents had previously launched a petition to get Thomas McCulloch moved after it emerged that the triple killer would be housed in the town. On Wednesday night a group of around 100 people came out in a bid to prevent him moving into the property in the town's Strathclyde Road.

McCulloch had been sent to the State Hospital in Carstairs after attempting to murder two hotel workers in 1970 following a row over a sandwich. He was diagnosed as a psychopath and locked up without limit of time.

Six years later with partner Robert Mone he killed three people, a policeman, a nurse and a fellow inmate, in an escape attempt. The pair also seriously injured two other men and held a family hostage in their home.

Both were told that they would die in jail for their crimes, but their sentences were later changed to a minimum sentence of 30 years, meaning that they became eligible for parole in 2006.

McCulloch had been held in an open prison from where he was due to move into a property in the town's Strathclyde Road. However, on Wednesday the 60-year-old was confronted by an angry mob that prevented him, despite being accompanied by police officers, moving in.

Police confirmed that two people, a 44-year-old man and a 46-year-old woman were arrested for an alleged breach of the peace.  It is thought that McCulloch was taken from the scene for his own safety.

West Dunbartonshire Council has the responsibility for rehousing McCulloch as he is originally from Clydebank, within the council's area. It was confirmed on Thursday that McCulloch will not be going back to the property.

IN DETAIL

• VIDEO: Footage of angry scene in Dumbarton on Wednesday night