Arrests made during violence amid anti-immigration rally and counter-protest in Glasgow

Key Points

Number of arrests made during disorder in Glasgow city centre
Violent clashes as anti-immigration rally met with counter protestors at Glasgow Green
‘Signifcant’ police operation but officers say the incident is ‘challenging’
Roads sealed off and members of the public urged to avoid the area

Violent clashes have broken out during an anti-immigration rally met by anti-racism counter-protesters in Glasgow, with a number of arrests made.

Police chased and held back “Unite the Clans” demonstrators who ran towards an anti-fascist group, with many on both sides wearing masks.

The groups clashed in Glasgow Green on Saturday afternoon as police on horses attempted to separate them.

Punches were thrown as the anti-immigration group approached anti-racism campaigners, while projectiles were thrown into the anti-racism crowd.

Police close Oswald Street in Glasgow during protest STV News

Stand Up to Racism counter protest STV News

Helicopters circled the park, one of the city’s busiest, as police managed to separate the groups with Oswald Street currently closed.

Police Scotland confirmed officers are responding to disorder in various areas of the city centre, including at the planned protest.

Officers said a “significant policing operation” is in place, and a number of arrests have already been made.

A statement read: “Members of the public are being asked to avoid the area at this time, and we understand the concern this is causing in the community. Anyone with concerns can approach officers.

“This is a particularly challenging situation, and officers are working hard to bring this incident to an end.”

Those taking part in the Unite the Clans rally chanted “send them home” and held placards reading “stop the boats”, as blue smoke billowed from the park.