A LONDON journalist has been told to "calm down" after making a series of bizarre indyref2 claims. 

Dan Hodges, who works for the Mail on Sunday, said police will close down polling stations during another independence referendum, as they tried to do in Catalonia.

He tweeted: "Do people actually realise what we're heading for in Scotland. We're literally going to see the police closing down polling stations. When people say the UK Government should go to court to block a referendum this is where it will end up. At which point independence is nailed on."

Police Scotland is held to account by the Scottish Police Authority which is accountable to Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Parliament.

Alex Massie, the Scotland editor of the Spectator, said "mate, calm down" in response.

Hodges replied: "But I don't get it. Why do people who claim to want to protect the Union, and despise Sturgeon and her nationalism, literally keep doing everything Sturgeon wants them to do."

Nicola Sturgeon has always ruled out a "wildcat" referendum on independence if the SNP wins a majority at the Holyrood election.

“I would not countenance an illegal referendum – not least because it would not deliver independence,” Sturgeon said during the BBC leaders' debate.

She added: “I will be responsible about that and I will build, and ultimately I think win, the case for independence through patient persuasion of people across the country.”

READ MORE: Peter Murrell hits out at BBC's coverage of Holyrood election results

People from across the political spectrum criticised Hodges' tweet.

Journalist Caroline Mortimer said: "But surely only if Sturgeon unilaterally goes for a referendum which she probably won’t...and policing is devolved anyway..."

Labour councillor Stephen McCabe said: "Elections and referenda in Scotland are run by local returning officers who are the Chief Executives of Scotland's 32 Councils. They will act within the law at all times and seek independent legal advice if that is required. Police Scotland will also act within the law."

Journalist David Leask said: "There is a business opportunity in offering 'Scotland 101' courses for London commentators at some nice Highland hotel. Anonymity guaranteed. How much should we charge?"

Tory councillor Braden Davy said: "As a local councillor in Angus, I am 100% sure returning officers would REFUSE to engage with an illegal referendum. And if not, I am sure pro-union local authorities would instruct their chief executives not to engage with such a vote."

Here are the best responses:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.