Man assaulted as 18th birthday bash turns sour

Probe into violent attack with broken bottle

Police launched a major investigation yesterday after a young man was viciously assaulted during a large-scale disturbance in a Perth neighbourhood. Friends said the victim was attacked with a broken bottle at a gathering of about 60 young people on Argyll Road in the North Muirton area. The group had earlier been celebrating an 18th birthday at the nearby Mallard Bar. The assault happened at about 1am yesterday, after closing time. A cordon was thrown around the area for several hours yesterday, while forensic teams tried to establish what happened. Evidence markers were placed around bottles and smashed glass. Police believe CCTV footage may hold the key to their inquiry and have appealed for the public’s help in tracing those involved in the fracas.

Police are investigating a brutal bottle attack outside a Perth supermarket. A young man was seriously injured during a fracas in the city’s North Muirton early yesterday. He is understood to have been part of a group of 50 to 60 people who were celebrating an 18th birthday. Operators received a 999 call about an apparent stabbing in Argyll Road, at the rear of a Co-op outlet, just after 1am. The area, which is used as a bus terminus, was cordoned off throughout yesterday, while forensic teams combed for clues. Evidence markers were placed on the ground next to broken bottles and smashed glass. The group of young men and women had been celebrating at the nearby Mallard Bar on Saturday. Revellers said the party was in good spirits, with no reports of trouble. The pub closed at midnight and the party spilled outside. Neighbours said there were dozens of people standing in the street after closing time. “We had our windows open because of the heat,” one resident said. “The racket from outside was keeping us awake. It seemed good-natured at first, but then there was a lot of raised voices and swearing.” He said: “I didn’t see what happened, but next thing I knew there were blue flashing lights everywhere.” A spokesman for the Mallard Bar stressed that the pub was shut when the incident happened. A Police Scotland spokesman said inquiries were ongoing. The victim’s details or information about his condition have not been released.

Picture: Phil Hannah. Police at the scene of the incident in Argyll Road, Perth yesterday.