SEVEN people have been arrested for "mobbing and rioting" after a protest outside of a Dumbarton home turned into a riot.

As many as 300 people were protesting in a bid to get someone who they believed to be an alleged sex offender removed from the property.

However, police believe the group gathered due to inaccurate information circulating online.

Detectives investigating the incident of large-scale disorder made the arrests as part of their ongoing enquiries.

The National:

The force entered five properties in Clydebank, Glasgow, Port Glasgow, Wishaw, and Lingston areas under warrant on Friday, March 17.

Four men aged, 21, 27, 45 and 48 and three women, aged 31, 36 and 43 were arrested and charged with mobbing and rioting.

They are due to appear at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Monday, March 20, 2023.

The incident occurred around 6.50pm on Tuesday, February 28 when police responded to reports of "disorder and vandalism" involving up to 300 people in Graham Street, Brucehill, Dumbarton.

Detective Inspector Bernadette Walls said: “I would like to thank the local community of Brucehill for their support and co-operation throughout this investigation.

"Crime affects the whole community and can cause fear and alarm, we aim to address these issues.

"It’s important local residents, workers and visitors to the area feel secure and reassured that they can go about their day-to-day lives free from the fear of violence and antisocial behaviour."

Enquiries are ongoing and additional officers remain in the area to provide reassurance to the local community and if anyone has any concerns, they can approach these officers.