An innocent person has been "forced from their home" after protesters gathered outside it in a case of "mistaken identity".
Dozens of people flocked to Tormusk Road in Castlemilk on Wednesday after claims spread locally that ‘suspected sex offenders had been housed at an address in the area overnight’.
A significant police presence was deployed to the street shortly before 7pm, with officers seen trying to control the crowd, who were shouting “get them out” and "no peace for a beast" at the property.
Today, Police Scotland confirmed that this was a case of "mistaken identity" and that an innocent member of the public was 'targeted'.
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell issued a statement after recent protest activity in Glasgow, which has “focused on registered sex offenders and people perceived to be sex offenders”.
ACC Waddell highlighted that"‘outing registered sex offenders on social media" or physically confronting them “significantly affects the ability of police” to manage risk.
His statement reads: "There is a clear difference between lawful protest and criminality. We are not anti-protest; we are anti-crime.
“Violence, disorder, hate crime and threatening behaviour that puts people at risk are not legitimate protest.
"We recognise the concerns felt across communities and the importance of an appropriate and proportionate police response.
"Policing decisions are made independently, based on evidence — not politics or online commentary.
"Recent protests in Glasgow have focused on registered sex offenders and people perceived to be sex offenders.
"Registered sex offenders are managed robustly and effectively through Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements, known as MAPPA.
"These arrangements provide a comprehensive response to a complex issue, using professional assessment and risk management.
"‘Outing’ registered sex offenders on social media or physically confronting them significantly affects the ability of police and partners to manage risk effectively.
"It also undermines the measures already in place to protect the public. It also requires additional policing resources, reducing our ability to respond quickly and effectively to other calls for assistance from local communities.
"While most protests are peaceful, there have recently been instances where people with criminal records have attached themselves to protests with the aim of inciting disorder.
"There has also been mistaken identity, including in Castlemilk, where the home of an innocent member of the public was targeted.
"I understand that uncertainty and speculation can cause concern, but I ask people to think carefully about what they read online.
"If you have concerns, report them and allow police and partners to do our job."
During the disorder in Castlemilk on Wednesday, police put barriers around the entrance to the building where a window had already been smashed. A rock was also thrown from the crowd during the incident.
The protest was streamed on social media with footage from the scene showing a tense atmosphere as officers spoke with residents and demonstrators while maintaining the cordon.
Later in the evening, a small group of protesters asked police if they could enter the building to confirm whether anyone was inside.
In an unusual move, Police Scotland allowed three members of the public to go into the property under supervision.
The group remained inside for several minutes before emerging to tell the crowd: “There’s no one in there. We check top to bottom, and no one’s there.”
Police said the decision formed part of its engagement with demonstrators.
A spokesperson for the force previously said: "An operational decision was made to allow a group of protesters access to a property under supervision by officers as part of our engagement with them."
Several protesters remained in the area into the evening, although by 8.20pm the crowd had started to disperse, with officers remaining outside the building.
After the protest, a 26-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with an alleged hate crime on Wednesday, July 8, and with an alleged offence of "stirring up racial hatred relating to a protest the previous day (July 7) in Cranhill".
On Tuesday, an angry crowd gathered outside a block of flats on Lamlash Crescent in the East End after rumours circulated that suspected "sex offenders were staying there".
Witnesses reported people shouting "beast" towards the property while police formed a cordon around the entrance.
Our sister title the Glasgow Times understands two men were later removed from the address under police protection.
Several officers were seen drawing their batons during the disorder.
The 26-year-old man was expected to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on July 9.
