CITY cops have responded to hundreds of incidents in the streets surrounding Glasgow Sheriff Court over the last three years prompting safety fears for witnesses and victims attending.

A Freedom of Information request to Police Scotland reveals the force attended 692 incidents in 2017/2018.

Most of the incidents took place in Carlton Place, Ballater Street, Oxford Street and Eglinton Street with 171 crimes reported during that period.

This year, 2018/2019, the force dealt with 581 incidents resulting in 131 crime reports while officers attended 676 incidents in 2016/2017, of which 205 crimes were reported.

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Glasgow Times:

Scottish Conservative shadow justice secretary Liam Kerr, above, said: “It’s vital that everyone involved in the courts' process – from witness and victims to staff and families – can attend in complete security.

“But these revelations suggest that’s simply not the case in Glasgow.

“The fact police have been called to so many incidents in or around Glasgow Sheriff Court is extremely concerning.

“We need to see more action from the SNP government to ensure those participating in the justice process can do so safely.

“It’s difficult enough attending court as a victim or witness without the threat of violence when leaving the building.”

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The figures also take in Gorbals Street, Norfolk Street, Adelphi Street, Norfolk Court, Nicholson Street, Oxford Lane, Portland Street Bridge, Carlton Court, Coburg Street, and Mosque Avenue.

In July 2018, Glasgow solicitor Joseph Shields was left with serious facial injuries after he was attacked in Carlton Place.

In January 2017, a 24-year-old was treated for serious facial injuries after he was attacked with weapons on Norfolk Street.

Police Scotland's sergeant Cennyd Smith, however, said that although the court picks up incidents, the area has a lot of other premises which can generate calls to the cops.

Sgt Smith, who is based at Gorbals Police Office, said "The court itself obviously picks up a lot of incidents and they have dedicated officers stationed there, along with a lot of officers in the court who are there to give evidence.

"The area has a lot in it, such as the Mosque, Procurator Fiscal's office, the Central Mosque, various solicitors offices, and mental health/addiction services premises. These can generate a lot of non-crime incidents.

"The area, in general, is one we monitor closely and will continue to do so, however, the call volume and types of calls don't cause me any concern at the moment."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "As set out in our Victims Code, the police and other criminal justice partners are committed to ensuring victims and witnesses are protected from further victimisation, intimidation and retaliation, both during and after an investigation and proceedings.”