A PROTEST outside a home in Dumbarton turned into a riot with fireworks and bricks being thrown at cops.
Shortly before 7pm last night, police were called to reports of a large crowd gathering outside a house on Graham Road.
Dozens of people were protesting in a bid to get someone who they believed to be an alleged sex offender removed from the property.
However, police believe the group gathered due to inaccurate information circulating online.
The occupants of the house were escorted out by officers.
Cops say the home has now been boarded up and is not in use.
Up to 300 people gathered and refused to leave when requested by officers.
A "riot" broke out, resulting in a number of objects, including bricks and fireworks, being thrown at officers and elsewhere.
During the "large-scale" disturbance, two men were injured, with one having to be taken to hospital.
Several police vehicles were also damaged.
Police say no arrests have been made at this time and an investigation is under way to identify those responsible.
An appeal for information has been launched.
Area Commander Chief Inspector Ryan McMurdo said: “What happened in Graham Road last night is totally unacceptable and I understand the fear and alarm it will have caused.
"I want to reassure the public a team of officers is working on the investigation to identify those involved and I have every confidence they will find those responsible.
“Due to last night’s incident, several police vehicles are out of service today, directly impacting local policing.
“As a police officer, I will always uphold the rights of those who wish to engage in a peaceful protest. However, when that behaviour descends into criminality, resulting in the scenes we witnessed last night, then I will act and ensure those responsible will face the consequences of their actions.”
Detective Inspector Karen Cameron added: “We continue to carry out door-to-door enquiries and a search of the area will be conducted today.
"I would like to appeal to anyone with information or recorded footage of the incident to contact us.
"We have set up a mailbox for the public to contact us and email any images to OperationIridescent@scotland.police.uk.”
Police revealed that officers will remain in the area to provide reassurance for local residents and anyone with concerns can approach these officers.
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2892 of February 28, 2023.
Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to give your information anonymously.
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