Motherwell tower blocks became a target in spree of destruction

The Motherwell Times has been inundated with complaints about a spree of destruction which saw multiple multi-story blocks targeted in the Flemington and Muirhouse areas in the weekend beginning Friday, January 29.

Residents were allegedly subjected to a sustained campaign of vandalism as ground floor windows and entrances were smashed.The affected towers were Glassford, Burnside, Glen, Woodside, Dalziel, Barons, Netherwood, Merryton, Shields, Grange and Lodge.

It is also alleged that one resident was attacked at the latter block and patrols have been stepped up at the properties, which are overseen by North Lanarkshire Council, and whose residents are under a lockdown stay-at-home warning and could only look on in horror.

Irate local councillor Kenny Duffy said: “I received many enquiries from constituents resident within Flemington and Muirhouse reporting a gang of teenagers hanging around the tower blocks. It’s deplorable that residents, already finding it tough stuck indoors, had to endure this criminal behaviour.

”A spokesperson for North Lanarkshire Council added: “This vandalism and criminal behaviour was appalling and caused considerable alarm to local residents.“Those responsible were quickly identified thanks to prompt early detection from our CCTV team and the information was immediately shared with Police Scotland to allow them to find the perpetrators.”Patrols and monitoring will also be stepped up in the area. If you witness or experience antisocial behaviour, contact our response team on 0300 123 1382 and if it involves criminal activity, you should immediately contact Police Scotland.” 

Meanwhile, a  Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We can confirm that officers in Motherwell have charged six people in relation to vandalisms and disorder at Lodge Tower, on Glassford Street, which took place over the weekend of Friday, 29 January.

They are as follows: an 11-year-old boy, two 15-year-old boys, two 15-year-old girls and a 30-year-old woman.”

Reports will be submitted to the relevant bodies.” 

Meanwhile police confirmed yesterday (Tuesday) that there had been another incident at the tower blocks which saw an elderly man allegedly attacked in a lift by a minor.

It is then alleged he turned on the police officers sent to deal with him.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 11.05pm on Friday, 5 February, police were called to a report of a 68 year-old man assaulted in Burnside Tower, Motherwell.

“Officers attended and a 15 year-old male was arrested in connection with the assault and a number of other offences including police assault and vandalism. He is subject of a report to the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration.”