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There were ugly scenes in Glasgow tonight as pro-union skinheads turned up en-masse to goad defeated Yes campaigners.

(Image: Reuters)

Hundreds of people crowded into the historic square following today's No vote in the Scottish referendum, with police having to separate rival supporters of the union and independence.

Gathered at the top of the square next to Queen Street Station, they sang 'Rule Britannia' and a flare was let off.

(Image: Reuters)

Officers, some mounted on horses, lined up to divide a large number of people waving union flags from a small group of Yes supporters.

Police rushed in to separate the two sides after hundreds of union jack-waving thugs arrived at George Square, where Yes campaigners have held daily rallies.

(Image: Reuters)

Some gave Nazi salutes and one even burned a Saltire. One video released on line appears to show one of the thugs snatch the Scottish flag out of the hands of a young woman on the ground.

They sang football-style songs at the Yes campaigners as they forced them from the square.

Mounted police and a police helicopter were deployed. At least one man was arrested as scuffles broke out.

A number of people draped in union flags later left the area and began spreading on to the nearby streets, with many marching down St Vincent Place as police followed.

Union supporters and people sporting Yes badges argued over the referendum result and a further chorus of Rule Britannia was countered by the Scottish anthem, Flower of Scotland.

(Image: Reuters)

Roads around the square were closed as police dealt with the incident, but a number of residents were clearly concerned for their safety. Police formed a human barrier to block off the route to Buchanan Street and contain people in the square.

According to the Scottish police Twitter profile, they managed to prevent further disruption. After 9pm the crowd scattered but smaller groups remained, along with the line of police and mounted officers.

Glasgow lawyer Aamer Anwar tweeted: “Flag waving Nazis, seigheilling thugs in George Sq, Better Together? not 4some of us, I wanted my children 2b safe.”

Tonight's gathering follows tense scenes in the same square last night when No and Yes supporters gathered ahead of the Scottish Referendum decision.

Police were brought in to maintain order following confrontations between the two rival groups.

The latest clashes have been widely condemned on Twitter this evening.

It come less barely 12 hours after Scotland voted to stay part of the UK, by 55% to 45%. There were 2,001,926 votes for No to 1,617,989 votes for Yes - on a record 84.5% turnout.

Despite the Yes campaign winning a majority in the largest city of Glasgow, the margin of victory was not large enough to give SNP leader Alex Salmond and his campaign the momentum they needed.

Earlier this evening Mr Salmond announced he was stepping down as party leader and First Minister of Scotland. In his speech Mr Salmond called for unity between unionists and independents following his defeat.