Call for action after gang of teenagers runs riot in town

A gang of around 30 youths ran riot in Arbroath, kicking a bus, toppling bins and hurling abuse at residents who tried to stop them.

Police are hunting the teenagers responsible for the rampage and a councillor has urged parents to ensure they know where their children are.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said officers were alerted around 9pm on Sunday that the group was causing trouble in the Montrose Road and Linton Road areas.

She said: “We received a report from a member of the public around 30 teenagers were causing trouble in the area. By the time police officers arrived at the scene the youths had dispersed.”

One resident said: “I saw a group of about 30 drunk teenagers. They were in my elderly neighbour’s garden. I told them to get out. They shouted abuse and moved on.”

Another witness said: “They were running down Montrose Road and I saw one lad try to kick a moving bus. They were also in Linton Road where they ran down the street knocking over all the wheelie bins.”

Arbroath Conservative councillor Derek Wann said: “I have been made aware of concerns involving trouble caused by local youths.

“I will be speaking to the community policing team about this. The community council are also looking at ways of tackling this problem.

“I hope we can resolve the issue before we get to bonfire night next month. I would also urge parents to try to ensure they know where their children are and what they are getting up to in the evenings. These youths are in the minority but they can cause a lot of upset for a lot of people.”