Boys aged 14 and 15 nabbed in sectarian riot raid
Cops’ breakthrough in hunt for bigoted thugs
THIS is the moment Police Scotland make an arrest as they close in on those believed to be responsible for ugly sectarian riots.
Two men, aged 30 and 20, and two boys, aged 14 and 15, were taken into custody yesterday as part of Operation Pindot, which was set up in the wake of rioting in Glasgow.
Police released footage of them entering a block of flats and bringing out a suspect.
This brings the total lifted in connection with the riots in Govan to six.
Another two men, aged 37 and 21, were arrested shortly after the disturbance in August.
The violence happened during a pre-organised Republican “Irish Unity March” by the James Connolly Republican Flute Band.
They clashed with Loyalists – many dressed all in black and wearing balaclavas – who were staging a counter protest.
Riot cops were called in to contain the two sides as violence flared. After yesterday’s arrests, Police Scotland vowed they would not stop until all involved in the riots were brought to justice.
Detective Inspector Peter Sharp, who is heading the inquiry, said: “The arrests are testament to our relentless pursuit of bringing to justice those responsible for carrying out large scale disorder in the streets of Govan.
“Officers have been working tirelessly in the community, gathering intelligence and reviewing CCTV footage to reveal the perpetrators of this campaign of disorder.
“We will not stop until every one of them is identified, charged and brought to justice. “I hope today’s arrests send an unequivocal message of our intent and our commitment to our communities.
“I would like to use this progress as an opportunity to thank the public for their contribution to this investigation and to re-appeal to them for more information. “Even if you think the information or mobile footage you have might not be of use, get in touch and let us make that decision for you.” Police Scotland has set up a dedicated and confidential email address for the public to send information, video footage or photographs relating to the public disorder in Govan on Friday, August 30. Anyone who has information can email OperationPindot@scotland.pnn.police.uk Anonymous calls can also be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.