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
Hadi Alodid appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday and was remanded in custody
He is charged with the attempted stabbing murder of Stephen Ogilvie, threats to kill an NHS radiographer and possession of a knife
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
Delivery companies say they are monitoring the situation ‘extremely closely’

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.

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

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 appeared in court 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 Glasgow, Edinburgh, Ayr and Aberdeen.

Just after 3pm on Tuesday, Restore Party member and Scottish right-wing activist Craig Houston shared a poster on social media encouraging people to gather on the steps of Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

He then shared videos of men in black marching through the city centre, singing Rule, Britannia and waving a Union Jack flag.

Right-wing and neo-Nazi groups on social media also shared videos in private channels, including of what appears to be a violent incident at St Enoch, in which attackers can be heard using racist language.

The Glasgow branch of charity Stand Up to Racism shared an image of a group at the top of Buchanan Street holding a banner which read: “Henry Nowak, stabbed, handcuffed, bleeding, ‘I can’t breathe’, white lives matter.”

Murder victim Henry Nowak was handcuffed as he lay dying after being falsely accused of a racist attack by a Sikh man.

Stand Up to Racism said: “Glaswegians of all backgrounds and of all faiths and none will stand together against any attempts to spread violence and hatred in our communities. Time and again, we have shown the far right that a majority of us reject their poison.”

The crowd on the steps of Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall marched 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.

First Minister John Swinney has described the scene across the country as “unacceptable” and described Scotland as a “welcoming nation”.

He wrote: “The scenes we saw in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Ayr last night are unacceptable.

“Scotland is a welcoming nation and those who choose to make their lives here are valued members of our communities. Racism, hatred and intimidation have no place in Scotland. We must stand against it.”

Police Scotland has been contacted for comment.