Boy, 15, 'caught with knife and bags of heroin in park'

A 15-year-old boy has allegedly been caught in possession of a knife and 15 bags of heroin in Glasgow Green.

Officers policing the area also seized knives from four people two weeks ago, a meeting has heard.

Police Scotland Inspector Stevie Kinvig said drug dealing has been taking place in the east end park.

He told the Calton Area Partnership meeting on Wednesday that a 15-year-old was allegedly caught with the drugs and bladed weapon last weekend.

Describing Glasgow Green as particularly “problematic,” Inspector Kinvig said: “It is particularly concerning as it is bringing together kids across the west of Scotland.”

He pointed out teens have been heading to the park from Irvine, Dumbarton East Kilbride, Livingston and elsewhere.

Inspector Kinvig said: “They are all gravitating towards Glasgow Green because they feel in comparison to Kelvingrove Park it is relatively unpoliced. That is certainly not the case.”

The Violence Reduction Unit have also been helping with the policing.

Inspector Kinvig pointed out “on a positive side “ the youths were not “gathering to fight each other.”

He added: “Sometimes on a wet Saturday evening there are about 70 kids in Glasgow Green.”

A crackdown on youngsters gathering at Kelvingrove Park in the city was previously deemed a success after police began confiscating alcohol.

Complaints about anti-social behaviour are now down in the west end park following the drive.

Police Scotland been running an operation since April with Glasgow City Council to deal with crowds.

Reporting by Local Democracy Reporter Sarah Hilley