Men charged after concerns over filming of children in Paisley park

Two men have been charged with breach of the peace after concerns were raised about the alleged filming of children in a Paisley park.

The incident is said to have happened at the playground in Barshaw Park on Sunday.

Police Scotland said a man had also been charged in connection with an alleged breach of the peace following concerns being raised in Rutherglen.

The force said it was “aware of concerns circulating on social media” but stressed that the two incidents were unconnected.

The Paisley incident sparked widespread rumours on social media of further incidents involving people who were supposedly filming children in parks.

Officers said they had investigated a small number of unconnected reports of filming, which were found to be parents filming their own children or other individuals who were not filming children and no criminality was established.

Police Scotland said it took reports seriously and would investigate any matters that were reported to them.

Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said it was not illegal to take photographs or video footage in public places unless it was for “criminal purposes” .

She added: “Given concerns about filming, I would ask people to remind anyone videoing or photographing in public to respect those around them.

“Police officers balance the rights of people to film with the potential to cause fear or alarm and make decisions based on individual circumstances.”

She added: “I would encourage responsible use of social media and ask people not to share speculation or inaccurate information. Please think twice about what you read, share and believe from online sources.”