Police make 15 arrests after anti-migrant and anti-racism protesters clash in Glasgow

More than a dozen people have been arrested after violence erupted between anti-immigration and anti-racism protesters in Glasgow.

Police on horseback moved in as Unite the Clans demonstrators clashed with counter-protesters at Glasgow Green, with punches and projectiles thrown during the disorder.

Police Scotland said 15 arrests had been made for offences including possession of an offensive weapon, assault, breach of the peace, obstruction and resisting arrest.

Weapons recovered near a children’s play park suggested some protesters had arrived intending to cause “pre-meditated disorder, violence and intimidation”, the force said.

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Hundreds gathered in the city centre as masked protesters from both sides clashed, forcing officers to establish containment zones and separate the groups.

Footage showed a small number of protesters appearing to perform Nazi salutes, while one man was heard declaring: “I’m a Nazi and I love it.”

Others chanted “send them home” and carried “stop the boats” placards as blue smoke from flares filled the park.

Anti-racism protesters responded with chants of “Nazi scum” and “there are more of us than you”.

Further arrests were made as groups moved from Glasgow Green towards the city centre, with police containments established around Oswald Street.

Chief Superintendent Emma Croft said the scenes went far beyond legitimate protest.

She said: “We have seen significant disorder from disparate groups in Glasgow today at what should have been peaceful, lawful protests.

“I want to be clear that the behaviour from many of these groups is not legitimate protest. It amounts to violence, intimidation and fear and will not be tolerated.

“Those involved should be in no doubt that they will be identified and held to account.”

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Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander condemned the disorder as “wholly unacceptable”.

"For the second time in as many months, members of the public in the city centre have faced serious and concerning disorder by protestors who want to spread division and fear.

“Police Scotland should be commended for acting quickly to control the disruption and minimise any threats of aggression.

“As the eyes of the world fall on Glasgow with the Commonwealth Games and the city welcomes people from all over the globe, it is disappointing that people are choosing to spread division rather than celebrate community, friendship and compassion."

Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Neil Gray said: “The scenes in Glasgow today were totally unacceptable.

"This has been a deeply distressing day for members of the public in Glasgow. No area of any city should be an intimidating place to go.

“I would commend the efforts of the police to maintain order. The reports of missiles being thrown at police are appalling, no officer should face danger when they are doing their job of protecting our communities.

“Any form of hatred, prejudice, intolerance or violence on our streets is abhorrent - and perpetrators will be brought to justice.

“Scotland is a diverse, multicultural, inclusive and welcoming nation and those who choose to make their lives here are valued members of our communities.

"We must stand against racism, hatred and intimidation and those who would seek to divide our communities.”

A significant police presence remained in the city centre as officers continued enquiries to identify others involved.

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