Police Scotland have issued a statement more than 17 hours after violence and disorder were seen across the country on Tuesday night, confirming three people in Glasgow were attacked "because of the colour of their skin".
Violent demonstrations took place in areas across Glasgow, Edinburgh and Northern Ireland last night following Monday night’s stabbing attack in Belfast.
Protesters set fire to houses, buses and cars in Belfast as disorder flared at an anti-immigration demonstration, with hundreds gathering in Glasgow and Ayr, as well as a smaller number in Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
In Glasgow, protesters called for an "end to mass immigration" while holding signs and banners with slogans including "Scotland for the Scottish".
Videos spread online of masked men shouting at passers-by on the street and physically attacking people.
The force has now issued a statement.
Three men, aged 31, 18 and 18 have been arrested and charged in connection with various offences in Glasgow during the evening.
Three members of the public were injured, all in Glasgow, with chief constable Alan Waddell confirming they "were attacked because of the colour of their skin".
Two officers were also injured.
The statement states officer "also attended disruptive but peaceful demonstrations in Edinburgh, Falkirk, Perth, Ayr, and Paisley" and no arrests were made.
Assistant chief constable Alan Waddell said: “Our priority is public safety and last night we had a conventional police response to demonstrations across the country.
“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 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."
He added: “Officers continue to be in local areas and we are engaged with communities to show support and listen to concerns.
“We have an appropriate policing plan in place, including strong links across UK policing to ensure we are prepared to deal with any escalation in disorder, and we will mobilise specialist resources if necessary.
“As part of this, our officers will support National Police Coordination Centre mutual aid arrangements for colleagues at the Police Service of Northern Ireland, following careful consideration to our resourcing requirements to ensure there is no impact to policing in Scotland.”
