Anti-immigration protests in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Ayr after stabbing in Belfast

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Hundreds gathered in protest in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen following a stabbing in Belfast
First Minister John Swinney described the scenes as “unacceptable”
A 30-year-old Sudanese man, with leave to remain in the UK until 2028, has been charged with attempted murder
Disorder erupted in Belfast on Tuesday, with anti-immigration protesters setting fire to vehicles and properties
A major police operation was launched in Glasgow city centre as anti-immigration protesters gathered

Police descended on Glasgow on Tuesday evening as crowds of people dressed all in black gathered in the city centre.

Emergency services were called at around 8pm.

Dozens of officers, riot vans, and a helicopter were deployed, with a large presence near St Enoch shopping centre and Buchanan Street.

The groups appeared to be mostly young men dressed all in black, protesting immigration. It comes after an attempted murder in Belfast on Monday which sparked violence in Northern Ireland.

A 30-year-old Sudanese man who was given leave to remain in the UK until 2028 was charged and will appear in court later on Wednesday.

Disorder erupted in Belfast on Tuesday, with anti-immigration protesters setting fire to vehicles and properties, forcing some people to flee their homes.

Demonstrations were also held in Edinburgh, Ayr and Aberdeen.

A crowd gathered on the steps of Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall, before marching down to the River Clyde.

Drivers were advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes where possible.

Glasgow Bridge was closed. The road reopened at around 9.35pm.

The Scottish Ambulance Service was called to three incidents to assist patients during the protest. No one was taken to hospital.

Police Scotland has been contacted for comment.