Workers flee for their safety after thugs attack them in wooded area

Apr 24 2008

A GROUP of council workers had to run to the safety of their van after being abused by a group of 15 yobs in Uddingston.

They were working in a wooded area near Athena Way, Viewpark, around 3.15pm on Thursday, April 17.

The yobs, aged between 15 and 17, approached the five North Lanarkshire Council employees.

They then subjected the gardeners and labourers to a torrent of verbal abuse.

But fearing for their safety, the men ran to their van and left the scene.

In their rush to escape, they left a Honda petrol lawnmower.

The green and white lawnmower was later found to have been stolen.

Viewpark Police are looking for any witnesses, or anyone with information concerning the incident, to come forward.

Constable Alan Wylie said this week: “This attack on the workers was totally unprovoked.

“All workers should be able to go about their business without fear of attack.

“I would appeal for anyone with information to get in touch with officers at Viewpark Police office.”

North Lanarkshire Council described the incident as “particularly nasty.”

A spokeswoman said: “The men involved were absolutely right to remove themselves from the situation — the safety of our staff is paramount at all times.

“Our grounds maintenance teams are working for the benefit of communities, and any attack on them therefore has a negative impact on the whole community.

“We would urge anyone with any information about this incident to contact Viewpark police office and help prevent something like this from happening again.”

Anyone with information can contact community safety constables Barry Scott or Gordon Robertson at Viewpark Police office on 01698 818678.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.