Hundreds of mindless teenagers have trashed a wooded area after throwing a debauched illegal party in Kilmarnock.
Youngsters have left a forest on the Annanhill estate carpeted in broken glass and littered with empty booze cans following a 'lockdown celebration' party.
One neighbour who witnessed the "disgusting" mass gathering also claimed that the drunken teens were engaging in sexual activity in bushes.
The secluded woodland area near to Annanhill Golf Course has been transformed into an illicit party den regularly used by Covid-breaching youngsters with trees snapped and fires also being set.
Lynn Ann Swaford has lived on the quiet, leafy estate for 27 years and says she's never encountered anything like the gathering.
The 51-year-old said: "I was walking the dog on the golf course with my neighbour at around 9pm at night.
"You could hear the noise from the end of my street and there was kids running about and frolicking and drinking.
"We went to explore the next day and the trees have been hacked away with knives or axes or something.
"There's whole areas where you can't even see the ground for broken glass.
"We actually spoke to some of the young people and they were leaving as they said they were embarrassed by how out of hand it was.
"It was like a rave or something but we didn't phone the police because we thought someone on Cedar Road would've done that.
"The noise was horrendous. It was like a football crowd or something.
"It was out of control. It sounded like some of them were having sex in bushes as well.
"I think they were celebrating the end of lockdown; there was hundreds of them.
"They just wanted to have a party but it's absolutely disgusting."
The illegal bash took place on the first weekend in May.
East Ayrshire councillor Tom Cook now fears the situation could get worse as summer approaches.
The Conservative politician for Kilmarnock West and Crosshouse said: "I am aware of the problem and have visited the area where they meet to see for myself the aftermath of their gatherings.
"It is concerning, not just for the disruption caused to the local residents, but also for the safety of the young people themselves.
"I have asked that Police Scotland give this area regular attention and also arranged for the community safety mobile CCTV vehicle to visit the area. This is happening on a regular basis but unfortunately it is very easy for those involved to disperse across the golf course when approached.
"The Vibrant Communities youth distraction team have also been involved in trying to engage with the young people and deter them.
"The area is maintained by the East Ayrshire Leisure Trust and they are looking at what other measures can be put in place to prevent them gaining access to this area.
"It is important that residents report any activity to the police when they are aware of it happening to enable a swift response.
"I am concerned that as the summer weather approaches the situation could get worse unless action is taken to prevent it."
Police say that dedicated patrols are now being carried out in Annanhill as a direct response to instances of youth disorder.
And inspector Catherine Glass from Kilmarnock police station called on parents to quiz their kids about their activities and whereabouts.
Inspector Glass added: “Dedicated patrols are taking place in the Annanhill area following concerns from the public and elected members about youth disorder.
“We continue to engage with our young people through school campus officers and partners, however, we can’t do this alone.
"I would ask parents and guardians to speak to their young people and know what they are doing and where they are. We will not tolerate disorder or criminality that impacts our local communities.
“Anyone with concerns or wishing to report a crime can do so via 101. In an emergency always dial 999.”
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