POLICE Scotland have moved to shut down allegations of child trafficking in Govanhill.

Earlier this week, a blogger made the incendiary claims about the ethnically diverse Glasgow Southside neighbourhood in videos which have since been watched by thousands.

Local groups accused the man of misrepresenting the areas and trying to stir up racial hatred.

Initially, police said they were looking into claims, but yesterday said there was no evidence to support the allegations.

Detective Superintendent Donna Duffy, head of Public Protection in Greater Glasgow Division, said: “Child sexual exploitation is a constant threat, not just in Glasgow but in communities across Scotland.

“In Glasgow, we have developed strong child protection partnerships with a range of agencies, to help us identify children who may be at risk and to allow us to put in place support to prevent vulnerable children being exploited. We can confirm that at this time we have received no information or intelligence that suggests children in Govanhill are being exploited. Nor are there any ongoing investigations.

“Our local policing teams are engaging with various partners in the Govanhill area on a daily basis. We continue to engage with partners to ensure children and young people across Glasgow are protected.”

Duffy continued: “Reports that children may be at risk are treated very seriously. If you or anyone you know has information concerning the safety of any child in Glasgow then please contact the police or the social work department and the matter will be thoroughly investigated. All such investigations are dealt with sensitively and involve a full multi-agency response, and safety planning for any victims identified.”

Fatima Uygun, trust manager of Govanhill Baths Community Trust, told The National the area was “often a target for racists and those who want to stir up disharmony.”

Uygun continued: “Like all areas we have problems but, unlike most areas, we have resilient community groups and individuals who respond to those problems.

“Our Roma communities are a vital part of Govanhill. They are no different from any other ethnic or cultural group, no worse, no better. Yet they have to face constant lies about their culture and their contribution to our society.”

Nicola Sturgeon, the area’s MSP, said Govanhill has “its challenges, which much work is being done to address.”

She added: “But it is also subject to myth and misrepresentation – sometimes from people who don’t know it very well at all.”

Around 18,000 people live in Govanhill, which has often been a magnet for new migrants to the city.

The area has often been blighted by rogue landlords letting out unfit properties and squeezing in more tenants than appropriate.