Warnings years of police cuts have left 'officers overstretched and communities paying the price' after ugly scenes in Glasgow

Published: 20:16, 26 July 2026 | Updated: 20:16, 26 July 2026 Concerns have been raised police officers have been too thinly spread to deal with rival protesters after ugly scenes in Commonwealth Games host city Glasgow. There were clashes between two groups at the weekend, with skirmishes between anti-immigration and anti-racism protesters erupting on Glasgow Green. Around 1,700 people descended into the park on Saturday, and the chaos spread to the city centre where around 100 people roamed through. Officers made more than a dozen arrests for crimes including assault and possession of weapons, with police having now warned others that officers would soon be knocking on their doors. The disorder came just days into Glasgow hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with athletes and spectators from 74 nations and territories having arrived for the nearly two-week-long competition. There are now concerns ‘years of cuts’ to frontline policing have ‘left officers overstretched and communities paying the price’. Tory justice spokesman Stephen Kerr MSP said: ‘The violence and disorder witnessed on Glasgow’s streets was utterly disgraceful. Those responsible must face the full force of the law. Police officers speak to a protester in Glasgow on Saturday Protesters run from police at Glasgow Green ‘At a time when Glasgow is hosting the Commonwealth Games and the eyes of the world are on our country, the SNP should have ensured Police Scotland had the resources needed to meet the challenge. ‘Instead, years of cuts to frontline policing have left officers overstretched and communities paying the price.’ Latest figures from the Scottish Government revealed that as of the end of March there were 16,430 full-time equivalent police officers. This is down from their high of 17,496 in 2013, with the number of full-time equivalent police officers employed now falling by just over 6 per cent. And the latest figures are also down from the same period last year, with 123 fewer full-time equivalent police officers at the end of this March compared to the same month in 2025. As the latest disorder erupted in Glasgow at the weekend, 15 people were arrested in connection with a range of offences including assault, possession of offensive weapons, breach of the peace, obstruction, and resisting arrest. Several weapons were also recovered, officers said. Police Scotland has opened a major investigation into the incident, with officers now trawling through video footage captured of the incident. Chief Superintendent Emma Croft said: ‘The level of disorder, violence and intimidation we saw in Glasgow on Saturday was nothing short of disgraceful. ‘People have the right to express their views lawfully and to protest peacefully, however the behaviour we saw from those involved in the disorder was not legitimate protest but rather acts of aggression to cause fear in our communities. ‘A significant investigation is already underway and my message is clear – if you were involved in these deplorable acts, you should expect our officers to be knocking on your door.’ Concerns have been raised about the police being spread too thinly Mounted police officers during an anti-immigration protest on Saturday Detectives have now urged those with information regarding individuals behind the incidents to make contact with officers so they can bring them to justice. Ms Croft said: ‘We understand how concerning witnessing the disorder must have been and we would urge any members of the public with information, including mobile phone and dashcam footage, to please pass this on to us. ‘We will continue to have a visible policing presence in the city centre and surrounding areas. Anyone with any concerns can approach our officers out on patrol who will be happy to assist.’ Justice Secretary Neil Gray said: “Make no mistake its people intent on disorder and violence that are to blame for the unacceptable scenes in Glasgow yesterday. That was totally unacceptable and we stand against such behaviour as we do those seeking to intimidate and divide our communities. “I commend Police Scotland’s actions to maintain order and people will be brought to justice. Police Scotland confirmed they had all resources required to respond to the incident and other major events taking place in Glasgow this weekend. We are investing a record £1.7 billion for policing this year.”