Statement following protest in Grangemouth

Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond said: “This afternoon, a small group of protesters climbed onto the roof at INEOS. Officers engaged with the group and they were later safely removed. No arrests were made and enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

“In total following the protest in Grangemouth, five people were arrested for offences under Section 12 Public Order Act, Breach of the Peace and section 13 Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995.

“Decisions about how to police protests require us to balance complex and often competing rights and issues. We have a legal duty to protect the rights of people who wish to peacefully protest or counter-protest.

“Our priority is public safety and we worked closely with partners ahead of the planned event to ensure a comprehensive policing plan was in place to maintain people’s safety, enable peaceful protest and minimise disruption.”