ACC Bernard Higgins response to disorder across Scotland

Published 19th June 2020

Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said Police Scotland will provide a robust response to disorder across the country. He said:

Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said Police Scotland will provide a robust response to disorder across the country.

He said: "We live in a democratic society and Police Scotland is absolutely committed to respecting people's rights to freely and peacefully express their views.

"But what we saw last night was people intent on hijacking a peaceful event and intent on violence and thuggery.

"It is completely and utterly 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 disgraceful scenes witnessed over the last couple of weeks is that if you continue to behave like this then be prepared to be arrested."We have no tolerance. There is no place for it in Glasgow or anywhere else in Scotland. It doesn't reflect the Scottish society in which we live.

"We're working very closely with partners and with event organisers to ask what they want to achieve.

"But if other people come out to hijack a peaceful event for other purposes then we will put in a very robust policing response."