Police Scotland has issues a stern warning that it will not tolerate peaceful protests being hijacked by thugs as was seen in George Square on Wednesday.

After two days of violent scenes in George Square this week Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said Police Scotland will no longer tolerate it.

He drew a distinction between peaceful protest and events being hijacked by thugs.

He said:"We live in a democratic society and Police Scotland is absolutely committed to respecting people's rights to freely and peacefully express their views."But what we saw last night was people intent on hijacking a peaceful event and intent on violence and thuggery.

"It is completely and utterly unacceptable and we will not tolerate these scenes any longer, including attacks both physical and verbal on the public and our officers.

Glasgow Times:

"My message to those who have been involved in the disgraceful scenes witnessed over the last couple of weeks is that if you continue to behave like this then be prepared to be arrested.

"We have no tolerance any longer. There is no place for it in Glasgow or anywhere else in Scotland. It doesn't reflect the Scottish society in which we live.

"We're working very closely with partners and with event organisers to ask what they want to achieve.

"But if other people come out to hijack a peaceful event for other purposes then we will put in a very robust policing response."