Craig Paton

Protests in several Glasgow communities were triggered by online misinformation, including false claims about criminal suspects and a care home being expanded to house asylum seekers. Reform UK’s deputy Scottish leader Thomas Kerr urged caution over unverified online information and warned against targeting individuals during demonstrations. He acknowledged public anger over immigration-related issues but emphasised peaceful protest. Police Scotland reported arrests at recent protests and said crowds dispersed without further incident.

A 24-year-old man died after his Mazda 2 crashed on the M74 near Abington early on July 10, prompting a six‑hour road closure for investigation. Police Scotland appealed for witnesses and dashcam footage as they work to establish the circumstances, with Sergeant Ross Allison urging anyone with information to come forward.

Anonymous social media accounts spreading misinformation have been blamed by senior Police Scotland figures for fuelling recent protests and disorder in Glasgow. Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell said false online claims triggered community fears that led to unrest in Cranhill and Castlemilk, while additional rumours about asylum seeker housing were also dismissed. Police and local officials warned that the unrest was being orchestrated by individuals from outside the city, with calls for increased policing. Political figures urged caution around misinformation and condemned violent behaviour at the protests.