Gangs 'cowardly and despicable' after attack on elderly woman and child linked to ongoing war

Police have hit out at a “cowardly” attack on an elderly woman and a young boy amid an escalating gang war.

At around 12.10am on Saturday, a 72-year-old woman and a 12-year-old boy were assaulted at a property in Egilsay Crescent in Milton.

Two males, described as teenagers who were wearing dark clothing and balaclavas, forced their way into the property and attacked the pair, who both suffered significant injuries.

Both were taken to hospital for treatment and extensive enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible.

A dark large family-style or SUV-type car was seen in the area around the time of the incident in Egilsay Crescent and officers are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen this vehicle.

Officers would urge anyone with information on this car, or anyone with dash-cam, doorbell footage or personal footage, to review it and get in touch.

Additionally, around 12.50am on Monday, April 14, police also received reports of wilful fires at two properties in the Bishopbriggs area.

Emergency services attended at both fires in Colston Drive and John Marshall Drive. There were no reports of any injuries at either incident.

Extensive investigations are ongoing with significant door-to-door enquiries and CCTV trawls under way.

Detective brands gangs ‘cowardly and despicable’ after incidents

It comes as violence has escalated in Edinburgh and Glasgow as well as surrounding neighbourhoods since March.

The violence spread to the west of Scotland in April, with a spate of deliberate fires and reported shootings.

Items relevant to the investigation, including weapons, have also been seized, along with drugs and cash during the execution of warrants in Edinburgh over the past few weeks.

In April, six different addresses were targeted with deliberate fires in five days in Glasgow and the city’s surrounding suburbs.

A dedicated team of officers are being supported by national resources as enquiries continue.

Detective Chief Superintendent David Ferry, Specialist Crime Division, said: “While we believe these to be targeted attacks, I want to make it clear this violence will not be tolerated and we are following a number of lines of enquiry.

“To attack an elderly lady and a child is simply cowardly – no one should be made to feel unsafe in their own home.

“We are aware that videos of some of these fires have been posted online. The publicising and glamorising these despicable and dangerous acts is abhorrent.

“I would appeal for anyone who knows who is responsible to come forward, even anonymously and bring this behaviour to an end.

“We are using every resource at our disposal to trace those responsible for this despicable act as quickly as possible.

“We understand these incidents will be concerning for the local community but please be assured we will bring those involved to justice.

“I would urge anyone with information about any of these incidents to please get in touch.

“Plain-clothed and uniform officers will remain in the areas while our investigations continue.

“Anyone with any concerns, or any information, can approach these officers.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Ferry said: “A number of arrests have already been made in connection with incidents in the East and arrests will continue over the coming days.

“If you have any information about any of these incidents, please come forward and contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0562 of Friday, March 21, 2025.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.