Two women arrested after Glasgow University building 'vandalised by pro-Palestine protestors'

Two women have been arrested after a university building in Glasgow was sprayed with red paint.

Emergency services were called to Glasgow University’s James McCune Smith Learning Hub at around 10am on Thursday following reports of two women using fire extinguishers to spray the building with red paint.

Protest group Youth Demand has claimed responsibility for the incident and targeted the university due to £6.8m worth of shareholdings it holds in arms companies such as BAE systems and QinetiQ, who have provided arms to Israel.

The university confirmed an incident took place on the premises on Thursday and that they support the right to protest.

However, they do not support any actions “which interfere with the rights of others”.

A university spokesperson said: “This incident is now an on going police matter and as a result we cannot comment on it specifically.

“The University of Glasgow upholds the right to freedom of expression, including the right of staff and students to engage in peaceful demonstrations. However, we do not tolerate activities which interfere with the rights of others to go about their business in peace.

“As an institution we stand against hate or harassment of any kind. We regularly communicate with all our staff and students about the need for tolerance towards each other, and we reiterate this call for all members of our community to be respectful at all times.”

Officers have confirmed that a 22-year-old woman and a second woman, aged 24, have been arrested in connection with the incident.

An investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 10am on Thursday, February 6, 2025, we were called to a report of vandalism at a premises in the Gilmorehill area of Glasgow.

“Officers attended and two women, aged 22 and 24, were arrested in connection. Enquiries are ongoing.”