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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Nadia Khomami

Two teenagers injured in Glasgow park attack on exam results day

Police tape wrapped around a pole, with a park in the background
One of the boys was stabbed and the other sustained a head injury in the incident on Tuesday evening. Photograph: Niklas Halle'N/AFP/Getty Images

A teenage boy has been stabbed and another boy has sustained a head injury during a large disturbance at a Glasgow park.

Police were called at about 7.45pm on Tuesday to an incident at Overlee Park in Clarkston, where a large number of pupils are thought to have gathered to celebrate their exam results.

According to reports on social media, they were attacked by other young people who got out of a van. A Police Scotland helicopter was deployed to the scene.

The force said the two 16-year-olds were taken to Queen Elizabeth University hospital. There were no details of their condition.

DS Gordon Walker said: “Our investigation is at an early stage to establish more information on those involved in this disturbance, and officers are currently carrying out inquiries in the area to gather more details on the incident.”

Anyone with information has been urged to contact Helen Street police station.

David Macdonald, a local independent councillor, said problems with antisocial behaviour and violence in the park had got “out of control”.

“I think we need a much more proactive, community-led policing strategy to be able to beat it,” he told BBC Good Morning Scotland.

“The visible police presence currently in this area is practically non-existent and the response to tackle the issue has, in my view, been lacklustre and muted at best.

“The offenders know this and they know they are getting away with it.”

In a message to Ch Insp John McQuilter, posted on Facebook, Macdonald said: “I previously stated things were out of control and the area was under attack from antisocial behaviour in an email to you in June. I stand by that statement regardless if you disagree.

“Ward four needs additional police foot patrols and we need it now. We need officers to be visible and to engage with young people in this area. An increased proactive approach is required.”

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