Do not carry weapons, warns police chief

Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell has issued a “clear plea” to Scots not to carry weapons amid concerns about youth violence.

She sought to highlight the impact violent crime has on individuals, families and communities during a meeting of the Scottish Police Authority on Thursday.

She made her plea as police confirmed a second teenager has been arrested in connection with the death of Kayden Moy, 16, following an attack on Irvine beach, North Ayrshire, at the weekend.

A 17-year-old has already appeared in court and made no plea to charges of murder, attempting to pervert the course of justice, and carrying an offensive weapon.

Chief Constable Jo Farrell voiced concerns about youth violence (PA). PA Media

In a separate incident, a 16-year-old youth appeared in court on Monday accused of attempted murder and having a bladed item in a public place following an alleged stabbing at Portobello beach in Edinburgh last Friday in which a 17-year-old was found injured.

Ms Farrell said: “Violent crime is at historically low levels, with homicides at record low levels and attempted murders and serious assaults are also at low levels compared to recent years.

“However, I am concerned about some of the trends around violent crime committed by young people, and often committed against other young people, and we think a notable proportion of that is happening in and around schools.

“It’s on policing and partners, local authorities, third sector, and beyond to work together to do all we can to prevent violence and reduce the harm it is causing.

“Reducing violence and preventing the harm it is causing continues to be an absolute priority.

Kayden Moy, 16, died following an incident in Irvine, North Ayrshire, on Saturday (Police Scotland/PA). PA Media

“Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland leads our national approach to addressing violence, anti-social behaviour and for stop-and-search, which is a really valuable policing tactic to remove weapons from pockets.”

She said in the last year, around 40,000 stop-and-search operations were carried out and more than 900 weapons were recovered.

Of those 900 weapons, more than 200 were recovered from people aged 17 or under.

Ms Farrell added: “I would conclude with a very, very simple and clear plea to people – do not carry weapons.

“Doing so can have devastating and irreversible consequences for individuals, for families and for communities.

“Do not carry weapons.”