Woman, 74, first to be arrested under Scotlands abortion protest law

A 74-year-old woman has become the first person to be arrested under a Scottish law establishing buffer zones outside abortion clinics.

The arrest was made close to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow in connection with breach of the exclusion zone.

Officers removed a sign from the area - which had been held by the woman who was arrested - that read "coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want".

The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act came into force last year.

The legislation prevents any protests or vigils taking place within 200m (656ft) of 30 clinics offering abortion services in Scotland.

US Vice President JD Vance took aim at the bill last week, incorrectly claiming people who live within safe access zones had been sent letters by the Scottish government warning them about praying within their homes.

He was accused of "spreading misinformation" by Scottish Greens MSP Gillian Mackay, who drew up the law.

The government said no letters had been sent out saying people couldnt pray in their homes, and only "intentional or reckless behaviour" was covered by the act.

Police Scotland said it received a report of people protesting near the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital at about 14:00.

The force said officers remained at the scene and that inquiries were ongoing.