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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Fraser Clarke

Three teenagers hospitalised after weekend of chaos in Balloch

Three teenagers were rushed to hospital after a fight broke out on a train at Balloch.

Services between Dumbarton and Balloch were cancelled on Friday night (June 9) after a 16-year-old girl and two 16-year-old boys were assaulted.

A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and possession of an offensive weapon.

The Lennox understands that the teenagers from Renton were attacked with a bladed weapon on board a train at the station, with British Transport Police (BTP) now pledging to increase patrols in the area.

It comes during a weekend of disorder in the area with Balloch Park trashed and water safety equipment vandalised.

Litter, broken bottles and graffiti have been reported at spots popular with families and dog walkers.

Yobs also damaged vital water safety equipment and warning signs were obscured by graffiti.

Stickers were placed over life ring location codes and an emergency assembly point bollard was damaged.

It comes just over one week after Police Scotland announced a new multi-agency operation to target disorder at Balloch Park, which frequently becomes a hotspot for anti-social behaviour during the summer, and other nearby beauty spots.

Last summer, a teenager was assaulted and robbed by a group of youths at the park.

Local area commander Ryan McMurdo has outlined his priorities. (Sunday Mail)

And Local Area Commander, Chief Inspector Ryan McMurdo, said that an enhanced police presence would now be patrolling the park.

Speaking about the incident which started on the train, he said: “Police Scotland officers attended the scene in support of colleagues from BTP. Local officers apprehended a 22-year-old man. Three victims were treated for their injuries. None of the injuries were considered life-threatening. This was an isolated incident with no risk to the wider public. Anyone intending on travelling to Balloch Park with the intention of engaging in anti-social behaviour or disorder will be met with an enhanced police and partner presence at the park.”

Council leader, and Balloch member, Martin Rooney blasted the “irresponsible and unacceptable behaviour”.

He said: “We have many beautiful areas within West Dunbartonshire that are really popular with visitors throughout the year.

“During times of better weather, visitors to Balloch and our surrounding areas increase significantly and the majority of visitors come and enjoy our beautiful scenery and hospitality that Balloch has to offer.

“This irresponsible and unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated and we will work with our community planning partners including Police Scotland to ensure Balloch remains a safe and inviting place to live and visit.”

Litter and graffiti have once again blighted beauty spots at Balloch Park. (Lennox Herald)

A spokesman for BTP urged anyone with information on the train station incident to come forward.

They said: “Officers were called to Balloch Central railway station at 9.04pm on 9 June following reports of youths fighting.

“Paramedics also attended, and two boys and a girl, all aged 16, were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

“None of their injuries are considered life-threatening or life-changing.

“A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and possession of an offensive weapon.

“Officers’ enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

“Passengers can expect to see an increased police presence at the station and on-board trains in the area and witnesses to the incident, or anyone with information, are urged to speak to officers or to text 61016 quoting reference 695 of 9 June.”

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