Youths surround cops as they break up fight in Paisley High Street
A gang of feral teen yobs surrounded two police officers who went to break-up a brutal fight between two boys aged just 12 and 13.
The shocking incident unfolded in Paisley High Street as cops patrolled the town centre on Friday evening.
They spotted two youngsters scrapping at around 7.50pm and quickly raced to intervene.
However, as they pulled the young boys apart a large group of around 15 teenagers began goading the officers and hurling racist abuse.
Officers were forced to call for back-up which arrived on the scene within minutes.
The 12-year-old boy is also said to have been armed with a lockback knife during the shocking incident.
It is understood neither boy was injured in the fight.
Police have now issued a warning amid fears of a rise in reports of youth disorder within the town centre area.
Chief Inspector Jim Cast, from Renfrewshire police division, called on parents to make sure they always know where their children are and educate them on the dangers of becoming involved in antisocial behaviour.
He said: “We ask all parents and carers to assist us in educating young persons in the consequences of being involved in such behaviour and to ensure where possible they avoid the town centre area in the evenings, especially at the weekend.
“Behaviour of the kind seen on Friday night will simply not be tolerated.
“I would also urge members of the public to alert police immediately if they have any concerns about activity within the town centre of Paisley.
“Our officers will always act to protect members of the public.”
A report has been submitted to the Children’s Reporter in connection with the incident.
Cops are also investigating a separate incident where a 30-year-old man was assaulted in Gilmour Street, Paisley around 11pm on Saturday night.
He was pushed on the shoulder causing him to fall over a bollard.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “If anyone has any information or witnessed what happened, please come forward to police.”
Express readers with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Behaviour of the kind seen on Friday night simply will not be tolerated