Police chiefs hit out after officers come under attack from boozed-up youths

Officers have launched a hunt to track down yobs who attacked a patrol car as it rushed to the scene of a stabbing which saw a 15-year-old boy taken to hospital.

A bottle was hurled at the police vehicle attempting to reach the teenager, who had been set upon during a mass disturbance in a Greenock field.

Around 50 youngsters gathered at open space close to Earnhill Road on Saturday night and chaos quickly ensued.

When officers moved in to break up the illegal gathering they seized a huge amount of alcohol and drug paraphernalia - including dozens of vodka bottles, powerful caffeinated alcoholic drinks and a cannabis 'grinder'.

As events got out of control over the weekend a local bus driver reported that bricks and bottles were also hurled at his vehicle in the Earnhill Road area.

Inverclyde Police youth disorder drugs and alcohol..

Meanwhile a 16-year-old girl was arrested after allegedly assaulting two police officers who'd stopped her on Gourock's George Road as she was in possession of alcohol.

It is alleged the girl lashed out, leaving one officer with cuts and bruises to their forearm and causing a cut to the other's hand.

Area Commander Chief Inspector Paul Cameron today branded the conduct of all of those involved in the weekend incidents as 'completely unacceptable'.

He told the Tele: "I know young people have had it tough during lockdown and I want to emphasise I am not blaming all young people in Inverclyde.

"Up until now they have been fantastic at co-operating to help keep the community safe.

"However, the increase we have experienced in Inverclyde of emergency workers being assaulted simply can’t be tolerated.

"I intend to bring those responsible for these crimes to justice.

Inverclyde Police youth disorder drugs and alcohol..

"It is also completely unacceptable to target a police vehicle in this way - it is now off the road and cannot respond to 999 calls."

Mr Cameron revealed that extra officers are now being drafted in at trouble spots.

He said: "We have set up a dedicated enquiry team after the incidents of the weekend who will be trawling through social media footage and CCTV, and those identified will be held accountable for their actions.

"I don't want to scaremonger and say all young people are like this, as I know this has been a handful of youths.

"I know that certain areas in Inverclyde seem to be causing problems each weekend and I've got a plan in place to work with wardens and youth workers.

"I am bringing in additional officers to patrol these areas too."

Ch Insp Cameron is also appealing to parents and guardians to play their part.

He added: "For the most part, I'm delighted with the way our young people have stepped up to the plate to keep themselves and others safe.

"Whilst there are a few who are letting the area down, I'd ask all parents to be mindful of where their children are going, even if they might not necessarily be involved directly.

"I'd like to reiterate the words of the 'Do You Know?' campaign - if your child is going out, ask where they are going.

Inverclyde Police youth disorder drugs and alcohol..

"We know there have been taxis and even parents dropping their young people off to these areas, so we would ask parents to be mindful of the whereabouts of their children.

"We will also be sending out alert letters to those parents and guardians of the young people who we know were there at the time, despite them not directly being involved.

"It is not a warning, it is simply to raise awareness and hopefully prevent their child getting involved in a dangerous situation in the future.

"This behaviour is unacceptable and I hope that I am clear in my message that this will not be tolerated in Inverclyde."

Anyone with information on any of the incidents from the weekend is asked to call 101.

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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BOOZE HAUL Pictured with Ch Insp Paul Cameron is Ailsa Gorry, partnership hub co-ordinator.