Young thugs hunted in Kilsyth and Cumbernauld

The first episode took place in the scenic surroundings of Cumbernauld House around 9pm on Friday – an area which has long been linked to underage alfresco drinking.

Police say that two males who are aged 22 and 23 were making their way along a footpath when they were approached by a 20-strong group of youths.

The gang mounted a cowardly attack on the duo and the older man was hit on the head with a glass bottle.

Fortunately, the two males were able to escape from the mob and called the police.

An ambulance took them both to hospital where the 23-year-old received stitches to his head.

The second incident took place in Kilsyth after 11pm in Main Street.

Police heard from horrified eyewitnesses that a large group of youths was trying to gain access to a house in Main Street.

When police arrived, the large crowd of youths ran off but police managed to stop two males who at just 15 years-old, should have been at home in bed.

Instead, the pair had been roaming about with weapons .

A search revealed that one of the boys had been armed with a lock knife – which he tried in vain to get rid of when the officers approached

And the other had been carrying a screwdriver.

Both boys were taken back to their respective homes where they were cautioned.

Both are facing two charges relating to the possession of weapons and trying to stage a break-in.

Meanwhile police have confirmed that they are seeking a wilful fireraiser who was seen leaving a flat in Cedar Road at 10.50pm on Friday.

The man who is thought to be between 18 and 24 years old was seen trying to set fire to a piece of paper which had been shoved in a letterbox.

However, the door to the property opened and a man came out causing the would-be fireraiser to flee.

Thankfully the resident was able to extinguish the fire but called police with a description of the culprit.

He is of slim build and was wearing a blue cagoule with a white stripe down each arm.

The man was also wearing a pair of black tracksuit trousers and white trainers bearing the Reebok brand.

A search of the area failed to find the man but anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.