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Shocking new figures show the number of attempted murders carried out by kids have tripled in Scotland. The harrowing statistics, released by the Scottish Police Authority (SPA), have sparked fresh fears over an epidemic of youth violence in the country, documenting 17 cases involving 20 children between April and June, compared to just five for the same period in 2024. The report states young people were using bladed articles and flammable materials during the murder bids. In one case, the suspect was accused of striking a victim with a car. The rise comes amidst a gang war that has been raging across Edinburgh and Glasgow since March, with underworld sources previously telling the Record kingpin crimelords are paying youngsters to carry out a spate of terrifying attacks. Violence first erupted in the capital after Mr Big Ross McGill was ripped off in a £500k cocaine deal by mob boss Mark Richardson's cronies . Sources say both sides have recruited kids to target the homes, properties and businesses of their enemies ever since. Cops cracking down on those involved have since arrested 57 people so far as part of their Operation Portaledge prove into the feud. David Threadgold, chair of the Scottish Police Federation (SPF), 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 also called upon the Scottish Government to crack down on youth violence as part of its Our Kids ... Our Future campaign - launched nearly three years ago after we highlighted a series of brutal incidents across the country. Since then, three teens have died as a result of the escalating issue. Kory McCrimmon, 16, passed away after he was stabbed in the heart after a confrontation in Greenfield Park in Glasgow's east end last May 31 last year. A 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was detained for five years after admitting culpable homicide. Amen Teklay , 15, died after he was found seriously injured on a street in Glasgow's Maryhill in March. Two boys aged 15 and 16 have since appeared in court to deny his murder. Weeks after Amen's death, 16-year-old Kayden Moy died in hospital following a disturbance at Irvine Beach in Ayrshire in May. Two 17-year-olds and a 14-year-old were arrested and charged in connection with the incident . Our campaign has repeatedly demanded that the government invest in young people to keep them off the streets and safe from harm. Youth violence campaigner Vicky Donald, whose 15-year-old daughter, Kaylynn was battered on the back of a school bus in 2022, responded to the latest figures. She said: "These statistics are shocking, but they don't surprise me. "We and the Record have told time and time again that if the government doesn't act, there will be more bloodshed and child deaths . "Clearly, the government hasn't learned anything despite the deaths of three young boys . "The go-soft policy needs to be scrapped and parents, police officers and teachers need more powers to enforce a set of consequences because currently, kids don't have any." Angela Jarvis, whose12-year-old daughter, Abbie, was beaten unconscious at a skatepark in Glasgow's Drumchapel weeks after Kaylynn's attack, added: "This is tragic but it doesn't surprise me either. "We have warned for years now that violence will continue to get worse and children will continue to die unless there is action to prevent violence. "Clearly, there have been no lessons learnt from the deaths of Kayden, Amen and Kory. "It will never be too late for the government to take action to prevent this sort of violence but while we wait for them to do so, there will undoubtedly be more tragedies." Former Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill described the harrowing figures as " tragic and disturbing". He said: "It's both tragic and disturbing that more children are becoming involved in serious violent crime. "The government must do something about this as they are a danger most especially to their peer group , as we have seen in recent sad events. "Ultimately, the solution is not just criminal justice and enforcement - it has to be resolving the social and economic problems that lie behind every troubled child. "We need investment in sport centres, youth clubs and all staff who have seen their posts cut or ended to work first-hand with these young people. "It will take intense resources but it's much better and cheaper to invest this way than to lock them up as we're having to do far too often." A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Any violent incident should be condemned. Whilst overall youth violence has been decreasing, that is of no comfort to victims, which is why we continue to tackle youth violence through education programmes, effective consequences for offences, appropriate police powers and sustained school and community engagement with young people. “The Scottish Government has made it crystal clear there is no reason to ever carry a weapon, including a knife , at any time. This is backed by an investment of more than £6 million since 2023 to implement the Violence Prevention Framework which includes action to address the carrying of weapons in and around schools. “In addition, we are providing support and direction at a national level, including through the National Relationships and Behaviour in Schools Action Plan, which includes recently published guidance on consequences and on risk assessment for violent, aggressive and dangerous behaviour. Local authorities are expected to implement this guidance to meet particular needs at a local level.”
