Police in Glasgow, Scotland have arrested a number of suspected republican dissidents at “several locations” in the area.

Those arrested are being held at the high-security Scottish Terrorist Detention Centre at Helen Street in Govan, Glasgow. On Thursday armed officers stood on guard outside the entrance to the center, which police said had been "activated" following the arrests.

Assistant Chief Constable Ruaraidh Nicolson said those arrested were picked up “on suspicion of committing various offences.”

He said “Police Scotland has led the operation which has involved a number of officers, including specialist units, and public safety has been a priority throughout.

"We are confident as a result of these arrests there is no risk to the public.

"It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage."

It was revealed however that the individuals arrested were not affiliated with any specific group, according to the Glasgow Evening Times.

The Security Service and Police Service of Northern Ireland were involved in the arrests.

A statement released by the Scottish police read, “The policing operation, which also involved the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the security service, has been focused on the activities of individuals sympathetic to dissident republicanism but who are not affiliated to any specific group.

“Police Scotland has led the operation which has involved a number of officers, including specialist units, and public safety has been a priority throughout. We are confident as a result of these arrests there is no risk to the public.

“We are confident as a result of these arrests there is no risk to the public. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”