Residents’ concerns grow as man is stabbed in Fairhill

Mar 11 2010 by Chris Clements, Hamilton Advertiser

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man was stabbed in Fairhill at the weekend.

Andrew Burns (31) was attacked at his home in Fairhill Avenue about 6.20pm on Saturday.

It is believed he was stabbed in the back.

Police attended the scene after an ambulance crew contacted them to inform them of the incident.

The injured man was taken to Hairmyres Hospital for treatment, but released later on Sunday.

The incident came after several stories in the Advertiser highlighted a growing antisocial behaviour problem in the area.

Despite increased police patrols there, neighbours say incidents have continued.

One resident this week feared that violence on the estate was escalating and could lead to a death.

The woman – who did not want to be named – said: “It’s horrible in Fairhill Avenue at the moment.

“You can’t get a minute from these people. They are constantly fighting and causing trouble.

“Myself and other neighbours have called the police countless times, but we’re just not getting anywhere. It’s unbearable.

“Everyone wants to leave. It’s that bad.

“A murder is going to happen before the summer is out.”

Another neighbour, who also wished to remain anonymous, said that the stabbing is only the latest in a series of violent incidents in the street.

She explained: “There are a number of people who spend their time in the house where the man was stabbed.

“I’ complained about them before, and afterwards my windows were smashed and my brother was beaten up.

“The police and the council are saying that it’s antisocial behaviour, but I think that’s just a blanket term for what is really criminal behaviour.”

Last week the Advertiser reported how sick vandals used petrol to set fire to the door in nearby Kerr Crescent while a woman was inside. Thugs poured petrol over the house’s front door on February 26 before setting it alight. No-one was injured, however police are continuing their enquiries.

Last month another man was assaulted in Fairhill Avenue by thugs wielding golf clubs. The attack took place in front of his frightened girlfriend as they walked along the street on February 12.

Inspector Gillian Scott told the Advertiser last week that police were continuing their efforts to curb violent behaviour in the area.

She said: “We are aware of several persons who are creating such antisocial behaviour in the area, and we will work with the community to deal with these people effectively.

“I would urge anyone who is experiencing such crimes or harassment to contact myself or my officers in the first instance.”

South Lanarkshire Council have also confirmed that an antisocial behaviour investigation focusing on yob behaviour in Fairhill Avenue is being carried out.