TWELVE people were arrested as Republican marchers battled with police after the officers formed a human chain to block the parade on Saturday.

Video footage posted online shows violent clashes between police and protestors in Castlemilk, Glasgow, as whistles and drums were played and a helicopter hovered overhead.

One marcher was heard to shout "this is a police state" as officers drew their batons and handcuffed troublemakers.

Police Scotland said they made 12 arrests and an investigation has been launched.

Tensions rose when the planned parade was halted on Castlemilk Drive "in the interests of public safety", according to a force spokeswoman.

Video footage shows a woman shouting: "There's going to be a riot", before marchers rushed the police.

Officers held their batons over their heads and shouted warnings at the mob.

One man was held down by officers and handcuffed.

It is understood that a rival group was planning to take on the Republican marchers in the so-called 'anti-internment parade'.

The march began around 1:30pm at Linn Park Industrial Estate before snaking along Lainshaw Drive, Carmunock Road, Ardencraig Road and Castlemilk Drive, where it was stopped.

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: "A group of protestors tried to disrupt the march resulting in twelve arrests for alleged disorder and alleged breach of the peace."