Park gang attack teen

Jun 5 2008 by Shirley Bartynek

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a teenager was attacked in a Motherwell park.

The incident took place at about 9.30pm on Friday, May 30.

At that time a 15-year-old boy was walking with his friend through the Duchess of Hamilton Park, Crawford Street, when they became aware of a group of youths nearby.

Members of the group became verbally abusive towards the pair but they ignored the taunts.

However, the 15-year-old was then approached by members of this group who struck his head, causing him to fall to the ground.

He was then punched in the face several times by one member of the gang. After a short time the thugs walked off.

The young victim was later taken to hospital where he was treated for bruising and an eye injury.

Anyone who has any further information on this incident should contact PC Edwards at Wishaw Police Office.

Meanwhile, five men were arrested in connection with two separate thefts from cars in the town.

The first incident took place at about 5.15pm on May 27 when a satellite navigation system was stolen from a parked car on Spine Road at Strathclyde Country Park.

Police attended and traced an 18-year-old man nearby.

The property was recovered and returned to the owner.

The 18-year-old was arrested and reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with this theft.

At 2.40pm on May 30, a 35-year-old woman was alone within her Ford Fiesta car in McDonald Street, Motherwell.

At that time four men passed the vehicle.

As the men passed, one of them leant in and grabbed her handbag. All four then ran off.

A short time later, police attended and traced the men involved.

The stolen property, other than a sum of cash, was recovered and all four were arrested.

A 47-year-old man, two 38-year-olds and a 24-year-old were reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with this theft.