News Story

Police officers were injured and arrests have been made amid disorder in Greenock, where there was “protest activity” on Wednesday night.

Three officers sustained minor injuries after items were thrown at them in the Inverclyde town and two police vehicles were damaged.

Two men were arrested and issued with fixed-penalty notices for anti-social behaviour offences.

Police Scotland condemned the violence and said inquiries are ongoing.

Anti-immigration demonstrations were held in several locations across Scotland earlier in the week following a knife attack in north Belfast.

The protest in Greenock is understood to have taken place outside the Holiday Inn Express hotel, which has been used to house asylum seekers.

Chief Superintendent Rhona Fraser said: “Our priority is public safety and we had an appropriate policing plan in place for last night’s demonstration.

“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.

“Officers were attacked and police vehicles were damaged. I strongly condemn that violence and there is no place for it in Scotland.”

Police had earlier advised members of the public to avoid the Main Street area of Greenock on Wednesday evening due to protest activity following the incident in Belfast.

Sudanese man Hadi Alodid, 30, appeared in court on Wednesday charged over the knife attack, with the 44-year-old victim, Stephen Ogilvie, said to have lost an eye as a result.

Police Scotland said officers continue to be in local areas and are engaged with communities to show support and listen to concerns.