Police Scotland 'considering' sending officers across UK after riots

Police Scotland is considering a request for hundreds of officers to be sent to other parts of the UK amid multiple days of violent unrest.

The force said it had received a number of requests for mutual aid which were being considered against the needs of policing in Scotland.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has asked for four Police Support Units, around 120 officers, to be drafted in to help.

Police Scotland said it has the ability to send resources to where the “need is greatest in order to keep people safe.”

It comes as more than 400 people have been arrested following violent riots in towns and cities across England and Northern Ireland.

Southport Mosque was pelted with bricks and stones during the far-right riot on Tuesday 30 July. / Credit: ITV News ITV

The unrest broke out after the murders of three young girls in Southport in Southport at a Taylor Swift dance class.

Following the attack, false claims spread online that the suspect was a Muslim and an asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK by boat which resulted in asylum seekers, refugees, and Muslims and their mosques being targeted.

English Defence League (EDL) founder Tommy Robinson has been posting running commentary on the riots, describing the disorder as the result of “legitimate concerns”.

The 41-year-old, who is currently somewhere in the Mediterranean, while a warrant for his arrest remains active in the UK, has promoted gatherings across the UK including one planned for Glasgow on September 7.

Police Scotland said it was prepared if violence and disorder like that seen in several English cities happens in Scotland, but added there is currently no intelligence to suggest any similar tensions.

First Minister John Swinney has said he “can’t predict the future” over whether far right protests will travel north of the border.

He made the comments as rumours swirled on social media on Wednesday that a rally would take place in Glasgow’s George Square, prompting businesses to close early and workers sent home for their safety.

Police Scotland issued a statement to quash the rumours and assure the public that the force did not believe any such action would be taking place.

No such protest took place.

But assistant chief constable Gary Ritchie said the force was aware of a “number” of planned protests, and counter protests, over the coming weeks.