A HEAVY police presence attended George Square for the third consecutive weekend.

Mounted officers were seen supervising the square as a small group of demonstrators, understood to be members of a Loyalist group, gathered by the Glasgow Cenotaph on Saturday.

Officers also issued a new stop and search order, allowing them to search any individual or vehicle.

The order, issued under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, applied within the city of Glasgow until 10.19am yesterday.

Two weeks ago, demonstrations turned violent when members of loyalist group the National Defence League clashed with protesters calling for better living conditions for refugees and asylum seekers.

Six men were arrested in connection with the clash, with four of them being part of the loyalist group.

On Saturday afternoon, a small group consisting of less than a dozen people were seen standing by the Cenotaph with Union flags.

Police had warned that they would have a significant presence in the square to avoid repeats of scenes seen in recent weeks.

Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said: “Recent disorder in George Square saw people hijacking a peaceful event with the intention of violence and

thuggery.

“This remains completely and utterly unacceptable and we will not tolerate these scenes, including attacks both physical and verbal on the public and our officers.

“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.”

He added: “We have a comprehensive policing plan in place with access to additional resources that can be deployed very quickly to respond to incidents of disorder anywhere in Scotland.

“However, I would remind people that the lockdown restrictions remain in place and people should only leave their homes for very limited purposes.

“Anyone who wishes to protest should find another way of doing so that keeps everyone safe.”