By Claire Warrender

The man in charge of G8 police co-ordination yesterday warned that “time for playing softball” with protesters was over.

Chief Constable Peter Wilson, who is running the Scottish Police Information Centre from Fife Police headquarters in Glenrothes, was speaking after scenes of violence across central Scotland and south Perthshire.

He said trouble flared around dawn, and as of 4 pm, 22 police officers had sustained minor injuries, damage had been caused to property and 120 people had been arrested.

Fortunately no member of the public was caught up in the clashes but Mr Wilson acknowledged the incidents must have been a “horrifying experience” for them.

“It’s something to be deplored, it’s an abomination and we must not accept it,” he said.

“I’m sure the police must also have been alarmed but we are dealing with it robustly.”

Mr Wilson also advised families of police officers stationed near the flashpoints that a system was in place to inform them of any incidents which affected the welfare of their loved ones, and urged them not to contact police offices around Scotland.

“We have a very large and dedicated team of officers working 24 hours a day to make sure that relatives are informed of any injuries to police officers,” he said.

“I would like to emphasise, however, that the injuries are few and minor just now.

“I know that dramatic television pictures may cause fear and alarm but please be assured that we will keep on top of all the latest information.”

Mr Wilson said the tactics employed yesterday were largely the same as those used in Edinburgh earlier this week, but acknowledged the rural nature of Gleneagles made it more difficult to contain any trouble.

“We need to control people who are causing trouble for our safety, their safety and the safety of the public at large,” he said.

“I suspect that because of this morning’s outbreak of violence police will be more inclined to arrest today.

“The time for playing softball is over.”

Mr Wilson revealed the peace camp at Stirling was monitored throughout the night after it became clear some people were intent on “unlawful pursuits.”

Central Scotland Police recovered a number of items used to block roads and arrested several people, and it was also ensured that those leaving the camp were not carrying weapons.

“It was only at around 5 am that things began to turn difficult and police officers were present in significant numbers dealing with people who were law abiding one minute then turning difficult the next,” said Mr Wilson.

“Sadly, some of the pictures on TV this morning took place before the containment came into effect.

“Equally, our colleagues in British Transport Police recognised there were people going to Stirling railway station to travel north to Gleneagles to cause trouble, so there was a short closure of the railway station.

“People travelling in the other direction were able to enter through a separate entrance.”

With world leaders arriving yesterday, Mr Wilson warned, “Tayside Police are in arrest mode and there will be more of that throughout the day.”

More than 10,500 officers from all over Britain are involved at various locations.

Transporting them has meant 2500 extra vehicles being used, with 40,000 meals a day supplied.

Additional officers were made available yesterday from the Grampian force to assist policing of the G8 Summit.

“We previously advised that the number of officers assisting G8 would vary through this week and this is what is happening,” said the force’s Chief Superintendent Albert Donald.

“I repeat that we are committed both to helping to police this unprecedented event and to maintaining a safe level of policing within the Grampian Police area.

“We granted no police leave during this period so that we would have resources available at this time to achieve both aims.

“I am confident, therefore, that the assistance to G8 is not compromising our local service capability.

“As always, Grampian Police will prioritise its response to local calls for assistance with an appropriate response provided.”