Plans to stage a march in Scotland to commemorate Bloody Sunday have been scrapped after an intervention by police.
The West of Scotland Bands Alliance was originally given permission by North Lanarkshire Council to hold a parade in Wishaw on Saturday to mark the 31st anniversary of the events of January 30th, 1972.
But the council's General Purposes (Public Processions) Sub-Committee agreed at a hastily-convened meeting to reverse yesterday's decision to give the march the go-ahead.
Strathclyde Police say they have received information since then that troublemakers from across Scotland had planned to infiltrate the event using "systematic and organised violence".
A spokesman for the force said: "We have recently received significant, specific and reliable new information which indicates there is a significant threat of serious disorder, violence and damage to property with an attendant threat to public safety.
"This information also indicates that both supporters of and objectors to the march are equally at risk and those confrontations may not be confined to one specific location in Wishaw.
"The threat to public order is from organised groups and individuals from across Scotland who have the capacity to mobilise and act in a concerted manner.
"As a result it is the view of Strathclyde Police that systematic and organised violence is likely."
A council spokesman said: "Following the advice received from the police and after considering the new information provided by them, the meeting agreed in the light of these factors that there are very serious concerns of potential public disorder.
"Therefore the council has agreed to issue a formal order under the legislation to prohibit the march taking place."
PA