Three arrested over Glasgow disorder and racist assaults after Belfast knife attack

Three men have been arrested and charged following disorder and racist assaults in Glasgow after a knife attack in Belfast on Monday.

Police Scotland said five people were injured, including two officers, after hundreds of people wearing masks marched through the city centre on Tuesday evening.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell said people were "attacked because of the colour of their skin".

It came as violence broke out in Belfast on Tuesday after Hadi Alodid, from Sudan, was charged with the attempted murder of Stephen Ogilvy in the city.

The Home Office said the alleged attacker entered the UK in 2023 and was given refugee status.

A court in Belfast heard that the victim had lost his left eye, has damage to his right eye, and injuries to his neck and back.

Alodid was remanded in custody.

Police Scotland said three members of the public were injured during the disorder in Glasgow.

Officers diverted the crowd - carrying banners and Union flags - away from the city centre. A number of streets and bridges were closed.

Three men – two aged 18 and one aged 31 – were arrested and charged in connection with various offences.

Officers also attended a number of smaller, but peaceful demonstrations in Edinburgh, Falkirk, Perth, Ayr and Paisley, and no arrests were made.

ACC Waddell said: "Officers responded to disorder and violence, including incidents in Glasgow where members of the public were attacked because of the colour of their skin. Officers were also attacked.

"I would strongly condemn that offending and send a clear message that there is no place for racism and violence in Scotland.

"We understand the concerns people have about their communities and will always balance the right to freedom of expression with the need to tackle crime without fear or favour."

Javed Iqbal, who owns the St Enoch corner shop, said police advised staff to close early over safety concerns.

He said staff had told him about "masked men banging on the windows outside" shortly before they brought the shutters down at about 22:30.

He said: "It was safety first, the main thing is safety, for my staff and for the shop.

"The staff felt a little bit scared with that many people being outside.

He added: "We should all be able to live together. Forget about the colour, forget about the race."

St. Enoch Centre said its security team responded to "a number of individuals" who entered the shopping centre.

'An embarrassment to Glasgow'

First minister John Swinney condemned the disorder as "unacceptable".

He said: "Scotland is a welcoming nation and those who choose to make their lives here are valued members of our communities.

"No one should be made to feel scared in a place they call home, and the actions of those involved do not reflect Scotland's values."

Swinney also thanked Police Scotland for their efforts to ensure people's safety.

Scotland's Justice Secretary Neil Gray praised the force for its response and said specialist public order officers were on stand-by for any further disruption.

Scottish Green MSP Iris Duane said the demonstration was an example of "opportunistic racism," adding groups were "preying on the fears of communities".

Glasgow Labour MSP Paul Sweeney described the incidents as "brazen racist thuggery", calling those involved "an embarrassment to the people of Glasgow".

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said he had to phone Glasgow's Central Mosque on Tuesday and urge them to shut their doors for safety.

Sarwar condemned the violence and and told BBC Scotland there was a place for protest but not disorder, violence and racism.

He also said comments from Reform UK MSP Thomas Kerr were "deeply irresponsible".

Kerr said he did not condone the scenes, but called for people to "go out and protest" peacefully against uncontrolled illegal migration on Wednesday.

Scottish Conservative leader, Russell Findlay, said criminal behaviour must be met with "the full force of the law".

He added: "Everyone has the right to protest, but there can be no excuse for violence and intimidation on Scotland's streets."

Widespread violence took place in Belfast on Tuesday evening. Houses, cars and a bus were set on fire and all public transport was suspended in the city.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it had requested "mutual aid" from other forces across the UK.

Police Scotland said it would support arrangements which could see its officers deployed if necessary.