Three police officers injured during Greenock protest in wake of Belfast stabbing

Three police officers have been injured during a protest in Greenock in the wake of a stabbing in Belfast.

Emergency services were alerted to the activity near the Holiday Inn Express on Main Street on Wednesday evening.

Three officers suffered minor injuries, and two police vehicles were damaged by items thrown during the demonstration.

Two men were arrested and issued with Fixed Penalty Notices for anti-social behaviour offences.

The disorder follows previous demonstrations held across Scotland following the attempted murder of Stephen Ogilvie 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.

Investigations into the Greenock protest are ongoing.

Glasgow & West

Police warn public to ‘avoid the area’ as protest unfolds in Scots town

Officers are currently in attendance in the Main Street area of Greenock

Chief Superintendent Rhona Fraser said: “Our priority is public safety and we had an appropriate policing plan in place for last night’s demonstration.

“We understand the concerns people have about their communities and will always balance the right to freedom of expression with the need to tackle crime without fear or favour.

“Officers were attacked and police vehicles were damaged.

“I strongly condemn that violence and there is no place for it in Scotland.

“Officers continue to be in local areas and are engaged with communities to show support and listen to concerns.”

Unrest in Glasgow day before Greenock protest

The Greenock protest came the day after demonstrations were held across Scotland, with unrest erupting in Glasgow.

Police Scotland confirmed two officers were injured while responding to the protest in the city centre on Tuesday evening. Three other people were injured in attacks “because of the colour of their skin”.

One video, seen by STV News and shared in neo-Nazi groups, shows what appears to be a violent incident at St Enoch, in which attackers can be heard using racist language.

Police have arrested and charged three men, aged 31, 18 and 18 in connection with various offences.

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

Officers also attended peaceful demonstrations in Edinburgh, Falkirk, Perth, Ayr, and Paisley where no arrests were made.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell condemned the violence seen in Glasgow and stated there is “no place for racism and violence in Scotland”.

He said: “Officers responded to disorder and violence, including incidents in Glasgow where members of the public were attacked because of the colour of their skin. Officers were also attacked.

“I would strongly condemn that offending and send a clear message that there is no place for racism and violence in Scotland.

“Officers continue to be in local areas and we are engaged with communities to show support and listen to concerns.

“We have an appropriate policing plan in place, including strong links across UK policing to ensure we are prepared to deal with any escalation in disorder, and we will mobilise specialist resources if necessary.”