Glasgow braced for arrival of 3,000 drunken sailors

POLICE have warned that nearly 3,000 drunken sailors will descend on Scotland's biggest city this weekend.

A "high-risk" memo was sent to Strathclyde Police on Thursday warning them that 2,800 navy officers and marines were due at Faslane after months at sea.

Nine huge military vessels from the UK, America and Brazil will be berthed at the naval base in Helensburgh and all the officers have been granted shore leave.

They will be transported from Faslane to a number of undisclosed locations around Strathclyde – but police fear the majority will head for pubs and clubs in Glasgow's city centre.

The memo says: "Given the length of time personnel will have spent prior to these dates – 9-11th April – at sea, there is the possibility that incidents of drink-related unsociable behaviour may occur."

The sailors are taking part in a navy operation called "Exercise Joint Warrior" in Scottish waters.