Boozed-up louts caused chaos on Wishaw’s streets over the Easter holiday.
The region’s top cop, Chief Inspector Mark Leonard, said his officers witnessed more trouble at the weekend than at any other time since the formation of Police Scotland in 2013.
Four serious assaults took place in the force area and trouble flared when fighting broke out amongst a group of up to 70 young people.
In total, police working in the Wishaw, Motherwell and Bellshill area attended more than 530 incidents.
Mr Leonard, area commander, said: “This is the most challenging weekend we have had.
“These assaults had a level of violence with weapons, disorder in public places and were alcohol related.
“We seem to have a group of people whose mindset still is to carry weapons. They should also reflect on their attitude to alcohol.
“This isn’t happening on TV, this is real life and the consequences are awful.”
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On Good Friday, at around 4.30pm, on land near to Carbarns Farm in East Road, a 16-year-old was hit by a brick which saw him rushed to hospital.
A Police Scotland spokesman told the Wishaw Press there were between 60 or 70 youths there when a fight broke out.
It is likely the wound sustained by the teen will lead to permanent scarring.
On Saturday at approximately 6.15pm, an 18-year-old man was walking down Hill Street, Wishaw, when he was grabbed from behind.
Police say an “unknown implement” was held to his throat and his attacker demanded cigarettes. The teenager managed to break free and run up to Girdwood’s pub and police were called.
Man arrested after teen grabbed by the throat and threatened in Wishaw street
Officers confirmed that a 36-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident. Police are also investigating an attack in Muirhouse Avenue, Motherwell, in which a 46-year-old man was stabbed.
Other serious assaults took place in Motherwell and New Stevenston.
Police also stopped a car in West Gate, Wishaw, and recovered a number of tablets, believed to be ecstasy. Across Lanarkshire, there were over 2,200 recorded incidents.
Mr Leonard added: “If you are having a house party or a barbecue by all means enjoy it – but don’t end up in the cells or in court.
“There are a lot of good things happening in our area but this is a real negative in terms of the level of violence.
“We have been putting all our resorces out to tackle this problem.”
