A DAMNING report has sparked a surge of concern after it was revealed that children as young as ten years old have been found carrying weapons and drugs.
Data from the report, revealed yesterday, show hundreds of children in Edinburgh and many more across Scotland have been found carrying knives.
Among the most shocking revelations made by the report was one boy in Aberdeen who was arrested for carrying a gun.
Between April and September of last year children under the age of 18 were subject to 566 successful stop and searches across Scotland.
Among these, 123 cases were children between the ages of 10 and 17 who were found to be in possession of a weapon.
One incident, from July last year, resulted in a 10-year-old boy being found carrying a knife in Edinburgh.
The 566 successful stop and searches saw officers discover children with weapons, stolen goods and drugs.
A number of 12-year-olds were discovered to be holding class B drugs and knives with a girl in Ayr discovered in possession of both in June.
Under pressure from opposition following the publishing of the report, the Scottish Government pointed out that £4m has been invested in the last two years in violence prevention.
The Government also highlighted that 1.3 million young people across Scotland have been supported through various community and education initiatives.
Police and local councils have stated that they are increasing patrols in the worst areas as well.
Assistant chief constable Mark Sutherland said: “The carrying of weapons is a complex issue with social, psychological and environmental factors all contributing.
“Stop-and-search, which is intelligence-led, is a valuable and effective policing tactic that helps us keep people safe in many different ways.
“We recognise that stopping and searching people is a significant intrusion into their personal liberty and privacy and we remain committed to ensuring that people are treated with fairness, integrity, and respect.”
