Children Involved in Quarter of Scotland Attempted Murders Amid Gang Violence Surge

New figures from the Scottish Police Authority reveal that attempted murders by children in Scotland have tripled between April and June 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with 17 cases involving 20 children. These cases now account for almost a quarter of all attempted murders with identified suspects, spanning nine geographical divisions, and often involve the use of bladed weapons, motor vehicles, and flammable materials. Police and officials attribute the rise partly to adults exploiting vulnerable youth, with organized crime gangs reportedly recruiting children to carry out violent acts amid ongoing gang feuds. David Threadgold, chairman of the Scottish Police Federation, highlighted the lack of deterrent in the justice system and called for increased policing resources to tackle the issue. While the Scottish Government states that overall youth violence is decreasing and emphasizes education and prevention efforts, critics argue that current soft justice policies are failing to curb the epidemic of youth violence. The situation remains critical with recent high-profile cases, such as the murders of Amen Teklay and Kayden Moy, involving teenagers among the accused, sparking calls for action to address the growing violence among young people.