Hunt for man after boy, 12, attacked on dirt path near level crossing

Police are hunting for a man after a schoolboy was attacked on a dirt path in Coatbridge.

Officers said the boy was attacked around 3.50pm on Friday, March 13, on the path parallel to the Heatherbell crossing by Gartgill Road.

The boy was taken to hospital for treatment.

The suspect is described as around 40 to 50 years old, around 5ft 7in tall, and of stocky build.

He was wearing a black puffer jacket and black trousers.

Detective Constable Lynne Thomson said: “Enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing to anyone who witnessed the assault to contact us.

“We are particularly keen to speak to a woman walking a dog, which was wearing a high-vis harness, in the area just before the incident happened.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 2291 of Friday, March 13, 2026.

“Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

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