The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Police hunt for gang after vicious park attack
Appeal for information after ‘disturbing’ assault
Police are searching for a gang of 15 men who attacked four teenagers and left one of them needing surgery.
The “disturbing” assault happened as the group of four walked near the South Inch pavilion in Perth at around 10pm on Saturday.
An 18-year-old man suffered “serious facial injuries” that required surgery while another man, also 18, suffered lesser injuries to his face.
The pair were with two 18-year-old women at the time.
Police have appealed for anyone who saw the attack, or has any information, to come forward. In particular, officers are looking to trace two men who were described as ‘ringleaders’ of the gang.
Perth City Centre councillor Pete Barrett said: “I would encourage anyone who recognises the assailants, or thinks they know who they might be, to get in touch with the police.”
Ateenager was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery after he and three friends were set upon by a gang of around 15 men in a Perth park.
The 18-year-old suffered “serious facial injuries” in the assault at the city’s South Inch, Police Scotland said.
Another man, also 18, suffered lesser injuries to his face. The pair were with two 18-year-old women at the time.
The “disturbing” assault happened as the group of four walked near the park’s pavilion at around 10pm on Saturday.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “The large group had been congregating near the tunnels, then verbally abused the victims as they walked past, before following them and attacking them.
“One of the victims sustained serious facial injuries, which required surgery, and another suffered a minor facial injury.”
Two men in particular were identified as ringleaders, who were the most responsible for the attack.
The first is described as white, 6ft 2in with straight black hair. He was wearing a light blue Stone Island jumper at the time.
The second suspect is also white, about 6ft, bald with what witnesses said was a “noticeably round face.” He was dressed in a hooded top.
The gang was described by police as “young adults”.
Perth City Centre councillor Pete Barrett said: “This is a very disturbing incident and serious assault. “I hope that the descriptions of these thugs provided by the police leads to their rapid identification and arrest.”
The Liberal Democrat said: “I would encourage anyone who recognises the assailants, or thinks they know who they might be, to get in touch with the police.
“If in doubt please don’t hesitate. It is far better that the police eliminate anyone not involved in this assault than the perpetrators get away with it.”
At the end of November, Police Scotland declared a blitz on large gangs in Perth city centre, amid a worrying rise in anti-social behaviour and violent crime.
It followed the stabbing of a 15-year-old boy in October. Officers said the youngster nearly died after the attack on Moncreiffe Island.
South Inch was one of the areas targeted by police as part of Operation Stung.
SNP city centre councillor Andrew Parrott said: “People should be able to enjoy the South Inch, and anywhere else, without fear or risk of assault.
“I believe that, generally, Perth remains a safe place, but incidents that demonstrate otherwise must be dealt with appropriately.”
Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 or freephone Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111, quoting case number 4415 of March 6.
“Verbally abused the victims