Man, 36, assaulted and robbed by gang of youths in Peebles
Last updated 25th Jun 2023
Police are appealing for information after a man was assaulted and robbed by a gang of youths in Peebles last night (Saturday).
The 36-year-old had his wallet stolen in the attack, which happened in the town's Victoria Park, sometime between 6pm and 7pm.
Some of the youths involved are believed to be as young as 14-years-old.
Officers say the man was near the football pitches when he was approached by the gang. An "altercation" then took place, during which he was assaulted and had his wallet stolen.
The victim - who's not been named - was taken by ambulance to Borders General Hospital as a precaution but has since been discharged.
The attack follows complaints of a series of incidents of anti-social behaviour involving youths in the area, and came at the end of the town's annual Beltane week celebrations.
One concerned resident said: "These delinquents are causing havoc in this town to the point where some people are scared to go out at certain times. The lack of the police presence in Peebles has left it a free for all for these idiots!"
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A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “The youths involved are all believed to be between 14 and 18 years of age. At this time, we don’t have any further description, however, from our enquiries so far we believe that they had been in Victoria Park for some time causing a nuisance and approaching older members of the public to buy drink for them.
“There was a funfair in the park, a bit away from where the attack took place, but the general area was busy with people and so I would ask anyone who saw the youths or the assault to contact police."
Police can be contacted by dialling 101 and quoting reference number 3125 of Saturday, June 24th, 2023. Alternatively, details can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.