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Message from Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM:

Following recent events in Belgium, I want to take this opportunity to reassure Scottish communities that while the threat level for the United Kingdom has been at severe since August 2014, at this time there is no known threat or link between Scotland and these events.

Police Scotland and the communities we serve are unanimous in our condemnation of this and other recent acts of violence, such as that witnessed in Turkey this week. As Scottish communities, we stand together in defiance of such atrocities, and reiterate Scotland’s pride in being a diverse, multi-cultural society.

Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe and whilst we understand that people will clearly be appalled and perhaps feel vulnerable as a result of recent events, I would urge everyone to continue to work together and ensure no person or group in Scotland feels marginalised or isolated. Police Scotland will not tolerate any form of Hate Crime and should anyone experience or witness such an incident, please report it.

At this time there remains no specific threat to Scotland or Scottish communities, however you may notice increased patrols in areas including our transport network. Such patrols are there for reassurance and community engagement. I ask that we all take note of the UK threat level and that we remain alert, not alarmed.

Please be assured Police Scotland continues to work with partners at home and abroad in countering the threat from terrorism to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all communities.

If you have any relevant information or concerns about suspicious activity contact the Police on 101, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or in an emergency dial 999.