Independence referendum: Police chief has no disorder fears

The Scottish Police Federation predicts the referendum will pass without major disorder.

Calling for an end to comments implying there will be widespread crime after the vote, the body’s chairman, Brian Docherty, warned a “minority of mindless idiots” don’t speak for the wider population.

“As I have previously stated, the referendum debate has been robust but overwhelmingly good natured,” he said.

“It was inevitable that the closer we came to September 18 passions would increase, but that does not justify the exaggerated rhetoric that is being deployed with increased frequency.

“Any neutral observer could be led to believe Scotland is on the verge of societal disintegration, yet nothing could be further from the truth.”

He said the awakening of political awareness across every section of society was something to be celebrated.

“The success enjoyed by the many should not be sullied by the actions of the few,” he added.

“Police officers must be kept free from the distractions of rhetoric better suited to the playground than the political stump.”