Home of innocent person targeted by Glasgow protest, say police

Police say a case of mistaken identity led to the home of an innocent person being targeted by a protest in Glasgow.

Officers have been responding to demonstrations focused on registered sex offenders, and people thought to be sex offenders across the city.

It follows four reported rapes in Glasgow in the last six weeks.

Police confirmed a case of mistaken identity after the home of an innocent person was targeted by protesters in Castlemilk.

Officers said there have been instances where people with criminal records have attached themselves to protests with the aim of inciting disorder.

Emergency services were called to a disturbance in Tormusk Road, in the Castlemilk area of Glasgow, at around 6.50pm on Wednesday.

The group was dispersed, but an investigation is ongoing after a rock was thrown.

It follows police being called to a disturbance on Lamlash Crescent in the Cranhill area at around 3pm on Tuesday.

A 32-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with the assault of a police officer following the incident.

Assistant chief constable Alan Wadell said: “I understand that uncertainty and speculation can cause concern, but I ask people to think carefully about what they read online. If you have concerns, report them and allow police and partners to do our job

“There is a clear difference between lawful protest and criminality. We are not anti-protest; we are anti-crime. Violence, disorder, hate crime and threatening behaviour that puts people at risk are not legitimate protest.

“We recognise the concerns felt across communities and the importance of an appropriate and proportionate police response. Policing decisions are made independently, based on evidence — not politics or online commentary.

“‘Outing’ registered sex offenders on social media or physically confronting them significantly affects the ability of police and partners to manage risk effectively. It also undermines the measures already in place to protect the public.

“It also requires additional policing resources, reducing our ability to respond quickly and effectively to other calls for assistance from local communities.”

He added: “Anyone seeking to exploit recent events to break the law, promote racism or violence, or disrupt people’s lives should be in no doubt: Police Scotland will respond decisively and robustly.”