Worshippers locked in mosque as people attacked during unrest in Glasgow

Worshippers at Glasgow’s largest mosque were locked in for their own safety, as tensions flared following a stabbing in Northern Ireland, with police saying people were “attacked because of the colour of their skin”.

Three men, one aged 31 and the others aged 18, were arrested on Wednesday in Scotland’s largest city following the unrest, in which three members of the public and two police officers were hurt, Police Scotland said.

The situation followed a stabbing on Monday night in North Belfast.

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

Protesters took to the streets in several parts of Scotland, including Glasgow city centre. Some of those involved referenced the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak, with one banner saying “white lives matter”.

Videos circulating on social media appear to show violent clashes between those taking part in the protest in Glasgow and members of the public.

Police Scotland's Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell said: “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."

“I would strongly condemn that offending and send a clear message that there is no place for racism and violence in Scotland,” he said.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said worshippers in Glasgow Central Mosque had to be locked in the building, as marchers appeared to be heading towards it.

Sarwar, who is also a Glasgow MSP, added that many of those marching in the city were clad in balaclavas and black hoodies, saying their behaviour was “intimidating” to passers-by, "particularly those from certain minority backgrounds".

“The people inside that mosque who had to be locked in with the doors locked and the gates locked surrounded by police, what did they have to do with the attacker in Belfast?" he added.

“They would be equally horrified by the knife attack there, they too will want justice to prevail.”

First Minister John Swinney said the scenes were unacceptable, saying, “Scotland is a welcoming nation and those who choose to make their lives here are valued members of our communities."

“I utterly condemn this behaviour and stand firmly against acts that stoke any form of violence and intolerance. And I want to be clear – racism, hatred and intimidation have no place in Scotland, and we must be united in standing against it."

Police Scotland said it has an appropriate policing plan in place to deal with any escalation in disorder.

Its officers will also support the Police Service of Northern Ireland, ensuring there is no impact to policing in Scotland.

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