Four more charged after anti-paedophile protest

Four more people have been arrested and charged after what was understood to be a protest against a convicted paedophile in Moray.

Flares and fireworks were thrown, and several police vehicles were vandalised, during what police described as "violent disorder" in the Buckie area on Tuesday night.

A 45-year-old man was initially charged, and has appeared in court.

Police Scotland said two women aged 37 and 63, a 36-year-old man, and a 16-year-old boy had now also been arrested and charged. A female youth was also charged.

Alexander Murray appeared at Elgin Sheriff Court on Thursday to face charges including possessing an offensive weapon, and threatening or abusive behaviour.

He made no plea and was granted bail.

Police said those since arrested and charged had been released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date.

Ch Insp Mike McKenzie, the local area commander for Moray, said said: "Our inquiries into this incident are ongoing and we are continuing to review extensive footage to identify all those responsible.

"This was a significant and wholly unacceptable incident of violent disorder which posed a serious risk to officers and the wider community."

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

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