Youths ‘causing havoc’

Gang blamed for blaze at old hospital and intimidation

RESIDENTS claim a fire at a derelict hospital was cau sed by ma raud i n g youths let loose after the lockdown rules were eased.

Firefighters spent hours battling the blaze at the former Strathmartine Hospital at around 8pm on Tuesday. Some locals claim that a group of between 40-50 teenagers were in the area that night and have speculated that they deliberately started the fire, which is the latest in a long-line of outbreaks at the former psychiatric hospital and orphanage.

One man, who declined to be named, said this week’s incident was just one of a number of antisocial issues since the lockdown measures were relaxed, with local youths causing “havoc” in the nearby Bridgefoot area.

He said: “Since the the restrictions changed we’ve definitely seen an increase in disturbances. There was a greenhouse smashed, I heard reports that a young l ad got mugged for his bike in the Rosemill Road area and there has been general i ntimidation towards the locals. Part of the problem where we are situated is that although we fall into the Angus boundary, Downfield Police Station is around five minutes away in a car.

“In some cases the police are coming via Carnoustie to deal with incidents, which is adding considerable time on anyone arriving to catch or deal with those involved.”

He added: “The latest fire I estimate there were 40-50 youths up here that night from Dundee. They were aged between 14-16, a mixture of boys and girls.

“When a site like Strathmartine isn’t secured properly it is always going to be an easy target.”

A spokesman for Police Scotland said: “We are aware of a number of concerns regarding youths’ behaviour in the area, which is why it features heavily in the patrols of officers from both Angus and Downfield offices.

“I would urge anyone with any information regarding the fire or any other criminality in the area to contact 101 or speak with any police officer.”

Tuesday’s fire at Strathmartine.