1000 Loyalists will take to streets after council drops ban

BY PETER DAVIDSON peter.davidson@reachplc.co.uk protesters attempted to disrupt two Irish Republican marches.

Eleven arrests were made and a police officer was taken to hospital after being hit by a flare.

About 400 cops had been deployed in an attempt to keep violence to a minimum.

The council took the unprecedented decision to ban the marches after advice from police over the potential for violence. Following the move, the Orange Order took to George Square in the city to protest the ban.

After the council allowed the processions to go ahead this weekend, the police urged people to counter-protest peacefully

Bernard Higgins, assistant chief constable at Police Scotland , said: “Our view is that if processions were banned, some form of protest and disorder could still take place and the policing profile for Saturday would therefore be similar.

“If the processions go ahead, it will allow us to continue to engage with known organisers to ensure balanced rights were upheld and to police the events under the conditions agreed by the council.

“I need to appeal to people who plan on taking part in processions or counter-protests to do so peacefully.

“We will have a range of policing resources, including a range of specialist assets, in attendance and will take any necessary action against anyone causing disruption.

“The decision to amend the route or the timing, or to prohibit any processions, is a matter for the relevant local authority.

“Police Scotland is required to assist councils to make informed decisions by making appropriate representations on notifications which could potentially significantly risk public safety, disorder, damage to property or disruption to the life of the community.”