Swinney says Glasgow disturbances which followed Belfast knife attack are ‘completely unacceptable’

First Minister John Swinney has condemned violent disturbances in Glasgow which followed a knife attack in Belfast.

Men wearing face coverings marched through the city centre on Tuesday evening. There were also what police called “disruptive but peaceful” protests in Edinburgh, Falkirk, Perth, Ayr, and Paisley.

Police Scotland said three men had been arrested and charged in connection with the disturbance in Glasgow during which two officers were injured.

It followed a knife attack in Belfast which was widely shared on social media.

Hadi Alodid, a Sudanese national who entered the UK in 2023 and was given refugee status, has been charged with attempted murder and remanded in custody.

Commenting on the disturbances in Glasgow, Swinney said: “The scenes we saw in Glasgow and other locations last night are completely unacceptable.

“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.

“I utterly condemn this behaviour and stand firmly against acts that stoke any form of violence and intolerance. And I want to be clear – racism, hatred and intimidation have no place in Scotland, and we must be united in standing against it.”

Asking an urgent question in the Scottish Parliament, Glasgow MSP Paul Sweeney said: “This shocking display of hate is the antithesis of the compassionate character and welcoming spirit of Glasgow and Glaswegians.”

He said some MSPs had “sought to fan the flames of division” with the talk of 'strangers' and calls for further protests.

Justice secretary Neil Gray thanked Police Scotland for its response and said the force had established a “community reassurance cell”.

“Police Scotland has also put in place appropriate plans to manage further protest activity including the deployment of specialist public order officers, as required.

“Let me be crystal clear: there is no place for racism, hatred and intimidation in our society...”

Police Scotland said men aged 31, 18 and 18 had been charged in connection with various offences relating to the disorder in Glasgow.

Police said no arrests were made at the demonstrations in Edinburgh, Falkirk, Perth, Ayr, and Paisley. 

Assistant Chief Constable Alan 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.”