SNP need to tackle rise in violence

No parent should have to live in fear every time their child steps outside the house.

- BY WEST SCOTLAND MSP RUSSELL FINDLAY

But that's the disturbing reality for many families in Scotland today because of the rapid and terrifying rise in youth violence.

Police Scotland say the number of serious assaults committed by teenagers has risen by 600 per cent in the past five years.

In the last few months, two teenagers have lost their lives and 11 have been injured in incidents involving knives.

The mum of a teenager whose daughter was subject to a horrific assault, which was filmed, told me that, "My girl cannot return to school or leave home. She lives in fear while her attacker faces no punishment. The system is broken."

Another mum of a teenage boy who was subject to a vicious homophobic attack, only for the attackers to face no consequences, said: "We cannot come to terms with this happening in Scotland.

"Serious crime is being downgraded.