A Glasgow street has become overwhelmed with police as they attempt to prevent a 'planned procession'.
Eyewitnesses told Glasgow Live that police had 'penned in a crowd' on London Road and that there were helicopters circling above.
Greater Glasgow Police Division released a statement earlier this morning, confirming that the Section 12 of Public Order Act had been invoked in order to stop the planned procession from going ahead.
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Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland, Divisional Commander for Greater Glasgow Division, said: “I have authorised officers to use powers under Section 12 of the Public Order Act 1986 to prevent this procession going ahead on the grounds of public safety and to minimise disruption to the local community.
“Police Scotland’s priority is always public safety and this decision was taken as a last resort after careful consideration of the potential impact of a planned counter-protest.
“Decisions about how to police protests require consideration of complex and often competing rights and issues.
“The guiding principles of policing protests are the safety of protestors, the public and police officers involved, preventing criminal behaviour or disorder and deescalating tensions.”
According to the Glasgow City Council website, the procession was organised by Cairde na hÉireann, which is said to be an Irish Republican organisation in Scotland. The assembly point was Millroad Street and there was expected to be an estimated 15o participants.
Police also confirmed to Glasgow Live that there is a large police presence across the city in connection with the planned march, as Glasgow Live have been informed of police riot vans and officers at Glasgow Green.
Glasgow Live contacted Police Scotland for further comment but they declined.
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