Three arrested over Glasgow disorder and racist assaults after Belfast knife attack

Three men have been arrested and charged following disorder and racist assaults in Glasgow after a knife attack in Belfast on Monday.

Police Scotland said five people were injured, including two officers, after hundreds of people wearing masks marched through the city centre on Tuesday evening.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell said people were "attacked because of the colour of their skin".

It came as violence broke out in Belfast on Tuesday after Hadi Alodid, from Sudan, was charged with the attempted murder of Stephen Ogilvy in the city.

The Home Office said the alleged attacker entered the UK in 2023 and was given refugee status.

A court in Belfast heard that the victim had lost his left eye, has damage to his right eye, and injuries to his neck and back.

Police Scotland said three members of the public were injured during the disorder in Glasgow.

Officers diverted the crowd - carrying banners and Union flags - away from the city centre. A number of streets and bridges were closed.

Three men – two aged 18 and one aged 31 – were arrested and charged in connection with various offences.

Officers also attended a number of smaller, but peaceful demonstrations in Edinburgh, Falkirk, Perth, Ayr and Paisley, and no arrests were made.

ACC Waddell 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.

"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."

Javed Iqbal, who owns the St Enoch corner shop, said police advised staff to close early over safety concerns.

He said staff had told him about "masked men banging on the windows outside" shortly before they brought the shutters down at about 22:30.

He said: "It was safety first, the main thing is safety, for my staff and for the shop.

"The staff felt a little bit scared with that many people being outside.

He added: "We should all be able to live together. Forget about the colour, forget about the race."

St. Enoch Centre said its security team responded to "a number of individuals" who entered the shopping centre.

First minister John Swinney condemned the disorder as "unacceptable".

He said: "Scotland is a welcoming nation and those who choose to make their lives here are valued members of our communities