A 38-year-old man was arrested and charged after a disturbance at asylum seeker accommodation in Dundee’s Hilltown area on January 4
Man Arrested After Disturbance Outside Asylum Seeker Accommodation
A 38-year-old man was arrested and charged after a disturbance outside asylum seeker accommodation on Sunday, January 4. He also faces communication offences from Monday, January 5.
The disturbance occurred at Reid Square in the Hilltown Area.
Chief Inspector Colin Echevarria stated, “A 38-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a disturbance in the Hilltown area of Dundee on Sunday, January 4 and communication offences which happened on Monday, January 5.”
Police Scotland reported that enquiries are ongoing following the protest, which targeted what are believed to be flats housing asylum seekers.
Recent protests organized by Dundee Patriots at Reid Square have led to significant police responses. These protests have also triggered counter-demonstrations from local groups like Stand up to Racism Tayside and Tayside Against the Far Right.
The Crown Office noted that protests at Reid Square have caused some asylum seekers, including individuals believed to be under 17, to be moved to temporary accommodation.
This arrest follows two previous arrests on December 28 and 29, where two men were charged for alleged disturbances related to protests against accommodation for asylum seekers in Dundee.
The Daily Record reported on January 6 that Dundee families are “living in terror” due to anti-immigration protests.
A Dundee mother claimed she was spat at by anti-migrant protesters while trying to speak to them. She said, “I went out to speak to the group and was swarmed by 10 to 15 men. I’m heavily pregnant and they were pushing into me, spat at me and shouted abuse.”
She added, “My partner came out after me and was immediately swarmed. We walked back to our house and they were laughing and pushing phones in our faces. It was intimidating.”
The woman expressed that she feels unsafe at home, stating, “When these people come to your street, you are confined to your home. My five-year-old son has been hiding in his room. I don’t feel safe in my home with them outside. I’m constantly on edge.”
She also mentioned the “irony” that the immigrants living nearby have not caused any issues, saying, “You never hear them. The only trouble we are having is coming from these protests.”
Summary of Events
| Date | Event | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 4 | Disturbance | Reid Square, Hilltown Area | 38-year-old man arrested and charged |
| January 5 | Communication Offences | N/A | Charges filed against the same man |
| December 28-29 | Protests | Dundee | Two men arrested for alleged disturbances |
| January 6 | Report | Dundee | Families report feeling unsafe due to protests |
