Labour MSP James Kelly to challenge police's account of George Square protests

James Kelly says he will speak to officers after being contacted by a "number of people" contesting an account of the day's events set out by Police Scotland. 

It comes following an exchange of letters between Mr Kelly and chief superintendent Hazel Hendren in recent weeks. 

READ MORE: MSP addresses police boss amid claims of 'aggressive' policing tactics at Glasgow protest

Mr Kelly, who shared the letters on Twitter, said: "I recently published an exchange of letters with Police Scotland following concerns I raised about the heavy handed police tactics at the anti-racism protest in George Square last month. I was concerned at the ‘kettling’ tactics used by police at the demonstration and the decision to single out football supporters for particular attention.

"A number of people have now contacted me via email and social media to say that there are inaccuracies in the police account of their conduct. As an elected representative, I find this deeply concerning. I will be compiling the information that I have received and making a further representation to the police.

"The police have a duty to enforce the law but they must also be held accountable when serious questions are being asked about their conduct." 

Hundreds gathered in the city last month for a demonstration, which was mostly considered peaceful. 

Labour MSP James Kelly

At the end of the protest, it was claimed people were 'kettled' by police, a tactic used to confine crowds to a small area. 

The Labour man wrote to ch supt Hendren in June, questioning the "need to be so forceful". 

In his letter, Mr Kelly wrote: "As I am sure you will be aware, this protest in the square was organised by several groups and trade unions in a peaceful manner opposing racism. 

"I have had reports from my constituents that officers were aggressive with peaceful demonstrators. "

Ch supt Hendren sent a response to Mr Kelly last month, writing: "The primary duty of police is to protect the safety of the public and that is always paramount. 

"All police operations, particularly when there is clear potential for disorder, are planned and conducted with this in mind." 

Chief superintendent Hazel Hendren

She added: "Cleary the scenes in George Square were entirely unacceptable and, quite correctly, widely condemned by the Scottish public...it is with great disappointment we have had to police a number of mass gatherings in recent weeks despite clear advice not to attend.

"Furthermore, it has also been increasingly evident that certain groups in the West of Scotland, including football risk groups, have exploited recent legitimate concerns and protests to further own agenda." 

She added: "In your letter you refer to a group being 'kettled'. This is not a term recognised or employed by Police Scotland." 

Mr Kelly responded last week again saying it was a "shame" largely peaceful demonstrators were contained. 

READ MORE: Glasgow politicians raise concerns about George Square policing tactics

"I am afraid that  [Ch supt Hendren's account] contradicts a number of accounts from people I represent who attend the march," he wrote.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "We have already corresponded with Mr Kelly and note that he will contact Police Scotland again."