Glasgowgoeson high security alert inwakeofbomb
MANCHESTER CARNAGE
SECURITY in Glasgow is to be discussed following the Manchester suicide bombing which killed at least 22 people.
Bosses at the city’s biggest music venues, The SEC and the Hydro, are to meet with police and council bosses today to consider the impact of the attack on future events in Glasgow.
It comes as police urged the public to remain alert, but said there was no intelligence to suggest Scotland was under threat of a terror-related incident.
Professor Peter Jackson, Chair of Global Security at Glasgow University, said that the police investigation would move very swiftly.
He said: “At this stage we know very little. But it’s clearly a terrorist attack – there were reports of people seeing washers, nails and shrapnel on the ground.
“There’s no indication that the bomber was working for ISIS, but they will take credit for it, because they always do. It might be that the person behind this was inspired by ISIS, or had some connection to them. That will come out in the coming days.”
Both the SEC and Hydro this week play host to major events with several thousands expected to attend, including a Lisbon Lions 1967 celebration, rockers Kiss and US legends The Beach Boys playing at the complex.
A spokeswoman for the SEC, said: “Our current security operation considers information provided to us by Police Scotland and is scaled appropriately to each event.
“We will be liaising with the police regarding our security arrangements with the necessary measures put in place to provide further reassurance to those attending or working at events in and around our venue.”
Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken confirmed that the council’s chief executive will meet with Police Scotland, Glasgow Life executives as well as those at the SEC ven- ues to discuss what implications the attack will have for Glasgow.
Ms Aitken also extended a hand of support to Manchester, describing the brutal bombing as “appalling and disgusting”.
Ms Aitken said: “The people of Manchester are amongst Glasgow’s closest friends and I know every Glaswegian will join with me in sending our condolences to everyone who has been caught up in this attack.
“The council’s Chief Executive will today be discussing the safety and security of Glasgow’s venues with Police Scotland.
“She will also meet with the Chief Executives of Glasgow Life and the SEC as we begin to consider the security implications for the city. The purpose of this attack is to inspire fear. I will not be afraid, and we will not be afraid.
“I will continue to enjoy our vibrant live music scene and I know the people of Glasgow will feel exactly the same.”
At the City Chambers the Union Jack is flying at half mast as a mark of respect.
Glasgow’s Lord Provost Eva Bolander said: “Today Glasgow is united in grief with the people of Manchester. We know that like Glasgow, Manchester is a strong and resilient city and they will unite together against this horrific terror act.
A Glasgow dad who was at the show with his 11-year-old daughter described the chaos following the