CRIME BEAT Man punched on face in racist attack

A Coatbridge man has been arrested after another male was targeted in a sickening racially-aggravated assault in Airdrie town centre.

The 26-year-old is alleged to have approached the stunned victim – aged 43 – on Stirling Street at around 7.05pm on Saturday night, before repeatedly punching him on the face.

The man was then detained in custody ahead of a date in the dock at Airdrie Sheriff Court, with police treating the troubling matter as a racist hate crime.

His victim required some follow-up medical treatment and Inspector Louise Brownlie, of the Coatbridge police force, has hit out at the callous culprit’s reprehensible actions.

She said: “A 26-year-old Coatbridge man was arrested in relation to a racially aggravated assault and detained in custody prior to a court appearance later this week.

“Police Scotland has a zero tolerance approach to all haterelated incidents and members of the public who have been affected by behaviour which they perceive to be motivated by hate are urged to report it to police.

“They can do so by calling Airdrie or Coatbridge police on 101.” building and the teenager has been reported by both authorities for the destructive crime.

Inspector Brownlie added: “Our officers and school personnel attended immediately after the alarms had been activated and found that entry had been forced to the premises.

“A 15-year-old male was found within and damage had been caused to numerous classrooms.”

Despite a “significant” number of these crimes, officers say many similar thefts are not being brought to the attention of the law.

Inspector Brownlie told the Advertiser: “In recent weeks there has been a large number of thefts from vehicles in Shawhead.

“It appears, however, that many similar incidents are going unreported.

“I am urging members of the public to contact the police if they have been a victim of a similar crime.

“The local community policing team are carrying out additional patrols in the area and enquiries are ongoing to identify the offenders.

“People looking to report these type of offences can contact Coatbridge police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.” solution.

“Parents are urged to warn their children against congregating at the site and coming to police attention.

“Regular patrols at the site are being carried out and the local community are urged not to tolerate acts of disorder and to make contact with police if they become aware of disturbances or youths congregating.

“Police can be contacted by calling 101.”