NICOLA Sturgeon has slammed the "shameful" disorder in Glasgow as police try to contain trouble over statue protests.
Sirens were heard throughout the city centre and crowds were seen running across George Square this afternoon.
Hundreds of people gathered there at around noon to "protect" statues there in a move understood to have been organised by the Loyalist Defence League.
Another, opposing, group calling for the removal of a tribute to Robert Peel over slave trade links is understood to have overtaken a police escort while making its way to the square.
Videos posted on social media show clashes between the two groups and it's understood that missiles were thrown between them as police formed a line across the street with batons drawn.
Mounted officers were also deployed to separate the groups and a helicopter flew overhead.
While police wore masks and visors to protect against transmission of coronavirus, many of the protesters did not.
Chief Superintendent Alan Murray said the incident "does not appear to be connected to a Black Lives Matter protest".
WATCH: Loyalist demonstrators clash with police in George Square
Action by a group connected to this movement that had been scheduled for today was called off.
At the daily coronavirus briefing, Sturgeon condemned the disorder, branding it "really shameful behaviour".
Sturgeon said she did not yet have "all the facts" about the "ongoing incident".
But she went on to say, though peaceful protest is "a fundamental right in any democracy" that : "Right now people in my view should not be taking part in mass gatherings because it is not safe, it puts health at risk and potentially puts life at risk."
And she emphasised that "violent protest is never acceptable", stating that those involved in such behaviour "should really take a long, hard look at themselves".
She told reporters: "It is of course for the police to ensure that the law is respected and order is maintained and I have every confidence in Police Scotland to do this."
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf has also put his response to the matter on record, stating: "What a contrast to peaceful BLM [Black Lives Matter] protests in Scotland last week."
Our Police Officers have been at the front line keeping us safe during pandemic. Today's scenes in Glasgow are shameful. Be in no doubt you will face the full force of the law if you assault a Police Officer.
— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) June 14, 2020
What a contrast to peaceful BLM protests in Scotland last week.
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