GANGLAND WAR FUELS MURDER BIDS BY SCOTS KIDS

17 attempted killings with firebombings now the norm

- BY RUTH SUTER

THE number of attempted murders carried out by kids has tripled amid a spate of gangland attacks.

The statistics, released by the Scottish Police Authority, have sparked fresh fears over an epidemic of youth violence.

They show 17 attempted murders by under-18s between April and June, compared with just five for the same period in 2024.

The report states young people used flammable materials during some of the attacks, with firebombings in the ongoing gangland war thought to account for those.

The Tamo Junto crime group has paid teenagers to carry out firebombings on properties as part of its war against the clan of jailed cocaine king Mark Richardson.

In one murder bid by a teenager, the suspect was accused of striking a victim with a car, while knives were used in other attacks.

David Threadgold, chair of the Scottish Police Federation, said: "There is no question adults are identifying young, vulnerable people and getting them to carry out crime.

"It's a fertile ground for criminals to operate in and policing needs more resources to tackle it."

The Record has called on the Scottish Government to crack down on youth violence as part of its Our Kids... Our Future campaign - launched nearly three years ago after a series of brutal incidents across the country.

Since then, three teens have died as a result of the escalating issue.