LOYALIST protesters have clashed with police in Glasgow after staging a second demonstration to “protect” monuments in George Square.
For a second consecutive day, hundreds of people have gathered in opposition to a planned demonstration calling for the removal of a statue of Metropolitan Police founder Robert Peel.
The original protest, organised by the Glasgow Youth Art Collective, was postponed due to what organisers say was a lack of access to the square and "police targeting activists".
A small group of people, whose affiliation is not known, could be seen coming down North Hanover Street prompting hundreds of counter-protesters to begin running towards the group before police were able to get in between the two.
Missiles could be seen flying between the two groups as police – with their batons drawn – formed a line across the street.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon slams 'shameful' clashes in Glasgow
The unknown group were forced back up North Hanover Street, away from the square.
Police Scotland confirmed the group is not believed to be affiliated with the Black Lives Matter movement, which has been protesting across the country in recent weeks after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
A police helicopter was deployed and could be seen flying over the city centre.
Press and photographers covering the protest were repeatedly told by loyalist protesters to stop taking pictures and video.
Crowd getting volatile around George Square as police move to contain them.
— Fraser Knight (@Fraser_Knight) June 14, 2020
Officers forming lines to hold activists in and Journalists being shouted at and pushed told to keep cameras down @LBC pic.twitter.com/zcSfY7MJKk
READ MORE: Loyalist group stages second protest in George Square
Chief Superintendent Alan Murray said: "Police Scotland can confirm that officers were aware of a disturbance near George Square, Glasgow today.
"At this time the incident does not appear to be connected to a Black Lives Matter protest."
The original protest was cancelled by Glasgow Youth Art Collective after it claimed it could not access George Square and "police targeting activists".
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