Police condemn 'violent disorder' at anti-paedophile protest

Flares and fireworks were thrown at officers during "violent disorder" after a crowd gathered outside a property in Moray, police have said.

Several police vehicles were also vandalised during the incident in the Buckie area on Tuesday night.

It is understood the crowd had gathered to protest against a convicted paedophile living at the property.

A 45-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the disturbance, as well as possession of an offensive weapon.

He is expected to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Thursday.

Large crowds began gathering in the area on Sunday and then returned on the following nights.

Specialist officers with riot gear were at the scene on Tuesday.

Ch Insp Mike McKenzie, local area commander for Moray, said: "This is the third such incident in the area since the weekend, but the first to descend into such violent disorder.

"This type of behaviour is utterly unacceptable, not only subjecting officers to horrendous levels of aggression, but seriously risking fire or damage to neighbouring properties.

"We can only be thankful that there were no serious injuries."

He added that footage from the incident is now being reviewed.

BBC Scotland understands a man was removed from the property for his own safety.