Scotland’s justice secretary, Keith Brown, has been asked to clarify remarks linking riots in Kirkton to the death of a Dundee dad.
Mr Brown repeated social media speculation that the riots – which saw fireworks lobbed at police – were linked to the passing of Grant Hutchison.
The father-of-three died aged 28 in October 2020.
Videos seen by The Courier show some of those who appear to have been involved in clashes with riot cops were wearing green jumpers with a picture of Mr Hutchison and the words “RIP Grant”.
Speaking on BBC Good Morning Scotland, Keith Brown went further than police, who have so far refused to comment on suggestions the events were linked to the anniversary of Mr Hutchison’s death.
There was local circumstances behind this around the death of a young man two years ago.”
Keith Brown
Asked about the events, he said: “There was much to this.
“It wasn’t originated because it was fireworks season. There was local circumstances behind this around the death of a young man two years ago.”
Quizzed by the media on Tuesday, Chief Supt Phil Davison refused to speculate when he was asked about the motivation or suspected cause.
He told reporters: “I won’t speculate (on) the specifics at this stage.
“I think it’s appropriate we complete a full investigation to understand exactly how and why the disorder started last night.
“What I can say is that it was spontaneous in its nature in terms of the size and the scale of the gathering.”
North east MSP Maurice Golden said locals deserve clarity following the comment by the SNP minister.
‘Stark claim’
The Scottish Conservative MSP told The Courier: “Listeners would have been surprised to hear the justice secretary make such a stark claim.
“If remarks like that are to be made, then people in the area living with this violence and the emergency services who have to endure it deserve some kind of elaboration and clarity.
“Irrespective of the reason for the disorder, it’s essential police are given every tool they require in order to ensure it is never repeated.”
Scottish Labour MSP Michael Marra said: “I spoke with the justice secretary today and I know he was not attempting to make these riots sound like a protest event gone wrong – far from it.
“This is violent criminality and will be treated as such.
“The immediate priority is a very robust police reaction that must include arrests and prosecutions.”
Police Scotland said it could not speculate and that extensive inquiries are still under way.
Mr Brown did not respond to questions from The Courier about the basis for his comments.
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