Police make 15 arrests at Glasgow protests

Police made 15 arrests in Glasgow on Saturday following disorder at protests in the city.

Anti-racism demonstrators gathered at 11:00 on Glasgow Green. A demonstration by anti-immigration protesters began there an hour later.

Police separated the two groups, each made up of hundreds of protesters.

Video from the scene shows scuffles and police drawing their batons to contain protestors.

Police Scotland said the arrests included a large group of people who left Glasgow Green and engaged in further disorder in the city centre.

A statement released on Saturday evening said a number of containments were put in place, including on Oswald Street.

The arrests related to offenses including assault, possession of offensive weapons, breach of the peace, obstruction and resisting arrest.

Ch Supt Emma Croft said: "We have seen significant disorder from disparate groups in Glasgow today at what should have been peaceful, lawful protests.

"Incidents of this nature can understandably cause a great deal of concern, and our officers took quick and decisive action to protect the public and bring the situation to conclusion.

"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."

She said officers had recovered weapons that indicated there an intention for pre-meditated disorder, violence, and intimidation.

Croft continued: "This is completely unacceptable behaviour and those involved should be in no doubt that they will be identified and held to account for their actions.

"At a time when Glasgow should be shown at its best, it is extremely disappointing to once again be dealing with violence and disorder that attempts to create unease in our communities."

"The protests and associated incidents have now concluded. We will continue to have a visible policing presence in the city centre and surrounding areas."

It is the latest in a series of protests about migration levels around the country.

In recent weeks, tensions have flared - with police pinning much of the blame on misinformation online.

The Scottish government's Justice Secretary Neil Gray said there had been a "significant deployment" of police in order to contain the protest.

He said that while there had been disorder, it had been contained by officers.

He urged protesters not to resort to the "violence and thuggery that we have seen in similar protests in recent weeks".

Gray continued: "I expect anybody who is carrying out the racist thuggery that we have seen previously on the streets o