Protesters engaging in ‘violence’ and thuggery’ will be arrested

Protesters have been warned they face arrest if they engage in “violence and thuggery” at demonstrations this weekend.

Assistant chief constable Bernard Higgins said police are aware of “a few” planned demonstrations and protests to take place on Saturday and Sunday.

He said Police Scotland respects people’s right to “freely and peacefully express their views”.

But he condemned attacks on officers and the public during recent protests and stressed that coronavirus lockdown restrictions remain in place.

There has been a large police presence and several arrests at protests held in the past two weeks.

Mr Higgins said: “Recent disorder in George Square saw people hijacking a peaceful event with the intention of violence and thuggery.

“This remains completely 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 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.”