POLICE are present in Glasgow’s George Square this afternoon following weeks of tensions in the city.
Following yesterday’s stabbing at the Park Inn Hotel, a senior Scottish Government source told the BBC they were concerned that “the far-right will mobilise and that could attract counter-demonstrations”.
Just two weeks ago there were ugly scenes in George Square when loyalists from a group called the National Defence League disrupted a protest calling for improved living conditions for refugees.
Six men were arrested during the incident – and four of those arrested claimed they had been in the square to “protect the statues”.
Across the UK “statue defenders” have taken to the streets to prevent vandalism to monuments linked to slavery and colonialism, following the toppling of a statue of slave trader Edward Colston in Bristol and a monument to Winston Churchill being hit with graffiti branding him a “racist”.
Some anti-racism protesters have identified statues across the UK which they believe should be removed, while others say plaques explaining the figures’ roles in the slave trade or colonial violence should be installed to give context to who they were.
Earlier this week a group calling itself the National Rebirth of Scotland put details on Facebook about an event titled Reclaim the Streets: Stand Up Against Antifa, which they claimed was taking place in Glasgow’s George Square today. However the details of the organisation and event were removed from the social media platform, and there is scepticism over the legitimacy of the organisation.
This afternoon there is a big police presence in the square and mounted units are standing by.
A very small group of protesters are standing by the Cenotaph with Union flags.
Ahead of yesterday’s stabbings, Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins had warned there would be many police in attendance to avoid repeating the chaotic scenes of recent weeks.
He said: “Recent disorder in George Square saw people hijacking a peaceful event with the intention of violence and thuggery.
“This remains completely and utterly unacceptable and we will not tolerate these scenes, including attacks both physical and verbal on the public and our officers.
“My message to those who have been involved in the disgraceful scenes witnessed over the last couple of weeks is that if you continue to behave like this then be prepared to be arrested.”
He added: “We have a comprehensive policing plan in place with access to additional resources that can be deployed very quickly to respond to incidents of disorder anywhere in Scotland.
“However, I would remind people that the lockdown restrictions remain in place and people should only leave their homes for very limited purposes.
“Anyone who wishes to protest should find another way of doing so that keeps everyone safe.”
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