Tag Archives: Police Scotland

COP26 – police divers making the river safe in preparation

Waterways are being searched by specialist officers from Police Scotland’s Dive and Marine Unit in the lead up to COP26.

Highly skilled police divers, who are able to search in confined spaces as well as capture underwater footage, will be patrolling the River Clyde and its banks ahead of the event in November. The river will be subject to movement and mooring restrictions for approximately three weeks.

During COP26, the Ministry of Defence Police will monitor the body of water, which is approximately four miles, with assistance when required from Police Scotland divers.

The dive and marine unit specialise in security searches, missing person searches and the recovery of evidence. Their high-speed patrol boats can respond quickly to incidents or threats on the waters in and around Scotland.

Police divers are serving police officers who have come from a variety of policing backgrounds and bring a broad depth of knowledge and experience.

All police divers complete an eight week basic air dive course along with a number of other specialist courses such as Licensed Search Officer, Swift Water Rescue Technician and Confined Space Search Officer, which is a crucial capability for Police Scotland in the lead up to COP26.

Police Scotland’s Dive and Marine unit is just one of the specialist resources that will be deployed during the conference to ensure the safety of all involved including world leaders and heads of state, delegates, and members of the public.

Superintendent Stevie Irvine, Police Scotland Maritime Security lead for COP26, said: “Our specially trained divers will patrol and search the River Clyde, particularly restricted areas, in the run up to COP26.

“This is a historic event, with one of the biggest mobilisation of police assets the UK has ever seen, and that means some restrictions are needed to help keep participants, visitors and members of the public safe.

“Any protest activity in or around the waterways during COP26 will be met with a proportionate policing response which balances the needs and rights of those wishing to take part, against the safety and wellbeing of protesters.

“This is all part of our work to support the delivery of a safe and secure event and we would ask that if you spot anything unusual in or around the waterways – report it to the police.

“Trust your instincts if you see something that doesn’t seem right.”

Superintendent Sandy Stewart, Ministry of Defence Police, said: “Our marine unit officers will be supporting the Police Scotland operation for COP26, providing a 24/7, armed policing presence on the River Clyde and ensuring compliance with the legal restrictions put in place, to deliver a safe and secure event for all involved.”

For more information on the policing of COP26 and how we are working to support delivery of a safe and secure event, please visit https://www.scotland.police.uk/what-s-happening/events/cop26-home/

Safety of asylum seekers in Glasgow under discussion

Leave a reply

In Glasgow on Friday a Sudanese man was shot dead by police.

Badreddin Abadlla Adam was 28 and he had stabbed a number of people at the Park Inn Hotel on West George Street.

On Friday Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: “Terrible incidents such as we have seen today are, thankfully, very rare in Scotland. This event has understandably shocked the people of Glasgow, and indeed, the whole country.
“My thoughts and very best wishes are with those who have been injured and their families, including our colleague Constable David Whyte who was seriously injured in the course of doing his duty. I offer my personal support to all those affected.
“Officers have once again run into danger to protect their fellow citizens. Their professionalism as police officers was outstanding. I pay tribute to their bravery, selflessness and commitment to protecting the public.
“I briefed the First Minister and the Prime Minister earlier today on the circumstances and advised them both that we are not treating the attack as a terrorist incident.
“It is essential enquiries are now carried out to establish the full circumstances and all speculation must be avoided.
“Scotland is a safe place to live and work. We have cohesive communities who work with their police service to maintain our peaceful and respectful way of life.
“In the context of the current health emergency, and to respect those injured today and the people of Glasgow, I ask everyone to exercise personal responsibility. Please, do not gather in crowds this weekend.”

Six people including PC David Whyte, 42, were injured in the attack. PCC Whyte was critically injured although he issued a statement from his hospital bed. Police Scotland continue to investigate what happened.

Speaking after a meeting on Monday with Chris Philp MP, Home Office Minister for Immigration Compliance and the Courts, Scotland’s Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “Our thoughts remain with everyone impacted by the tragic events of Friday night, in particular those who remain in hospital, and their family and loved ones.

“While the immediate priority is to allow the police time to conclude their investigation, I have spoken to Home Office Minister, Chris Philp MP to express my concerns over the safety and wellbeing of those accommodated by the Mears Group in hotels in Glasgow.

“I have made clear that those staying in hotels must receive all the help they need at this difficult time, particularly those who had been staying at the Park Inn. I also again pressed the importance of financial support for people accommodated in hotels, so that they have some control over how they live their lives, and am pleased that the Minister has agreed to reconsider this issue. I have also made clear that lessons must be learned from this dreadful incident, both in terms of the incident itself and the circumstances that led up to it.

“I again asked that the Home Office share plans and actively engage with local partners, particularly Glasgow City Council, for moving people on from hotels into long term accommodation in the community. The Minister has undertaken that a plan will be shared tomorrow. I am pleased that he has also agreed to a joint meeting with the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council to discuss wider planning for the future of asylum following the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Update on George Square incident from Police Scotland

Leave a reply

UPDATE – MAJOR INCIDENT – GEORGE SQUARE, GLASGOW

Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Mawson, Local Policing Commander for the West, said, “This is a tragic incident which has taken place at a very busy time in the centre of our city. Please be assured my officers and other members of the emergency services will do everything they can to respond to this collision.

“We have set up a helpline for anyone who believes a friend or relative may have been involved in this incident. The number is 01786 289070. However, due to the volume of calls that we are receiving, it would be helpful if anyone who was in Glasgow city centre today can call home to let their loved ones and friends know that they are safe. The safety of the people of Glasgow is our priority and the emergency services will continue to work together to establish the exact circumstances.”

Loch Lomond death – man named

Leave a reply

Police name man who died at Loch Lomond

Police in Forth Valley have named the man who died near Rowerdennan, Loch Lomond, on Friday evening. He was Robert McKeown, who was 67 years-old and from Drumchapel in Glasgow.

Robert had been out fishing in the area with a friend when he fell into water. Police were called around 8pm, and following a search by the marine unit, his body was recovered around 1pm on Saturday.

Police are now appealing for any family members, or anyone who has information on his next of kin, to come forward.

Police Sergeant Donald Konkol said: “Following this tragic incident, we have so far been unable to trace the next of kin of Robert McKeown. Anyone who has information that can assist should contact police on 101.”