Huge police presence in Glasgow as Republican marches take place in city centre

A huge police presence has been on the streets of Glasgow as two republican marches took place in the city centre.

There were officers on foot, on horses, in vans, in the air and on the River Clyde, in a bid to prevent a repeat of last weekend's riots, when there were violent clashes between Irish Unity groups and Loyalists in the Govan area.

Glasgow City Council agreed to allow the processions, despite council bosses previously threatening to take action against marches to protect the public.

Following last weekend's action, Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said: "Police Scotland has to balance the right of people who wish to take part in the processions, under the conditions agreed by Glasgow City Council, and those who wish to protest peacefully and lawfully."

The first march - A Cairde Na Heireann (Calton Republicans) - attracted around 100 participants and started at 2pm on Millroad Street, finishing on Clyde Street.

Around 300 people took part in the second event - the Friends of Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association parade - which started at 3pm at Blythswood Square. It was over an hour late in starting.

As marchers proceeded, fireworks which appeared to have come from the counter-protesters were set off, with police telling members of the public to move back from the area.

It finished at Barrowlands Park, where there was a huge ring of police to prevent any violent clashes.

Officers have so far arrested a 33 year-old man for carrying an offensive weapon.

In a statement they say ''we want to re-emphasise that anyone intent on becoming involved in any kind of anti-social or criminal behaviour will be dealt with promptly.