Four youths charged after bus driver assaulted in Keith
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FOUR teenagers have been charged by police after a bus driver was assaulted in Keith.
On the evening of Monday, August 8, a bus driver was assaulted on the town's Church Street by four youths – three aged 14 and one aged 13.
Inspector Graham Worton, from the Keith and Buckie Community Policing Team, said: "Violence such as this will not be tolerated, is not acceptable and will be dealt with accordingly.
"We would like to thank the members of the public who assisted the bus driver."
The incident comes as anti-social behaviour in Keith – and around Moray – is rising.
At a recent meeting, Moray's MP Douglas Ross was told by the area's Chief Police Inspector Simon Reid that three local youths have been charged with 19 offences in recent weeks.
Conservative MP Douglas Ross called the meeting with Mr Reid after being contacted by concerned local constituents.
Mr Reid said police and other agencies – including Social Services – are fully aware of the issues and have a plan in place to deal directly with the youth that have been identified.
Douglas Ross said: “Hearing about the troubling and concerning behaviour by youths in the Keith, I sought an update from the local police commander.
"I was able to speak candidly to him about the real community concerns in Keith over this rise in anti-social behaviour.
"Our discussions were positive and I’m encouraged that the police and other agencies are dealing with the problem and the youths involved.
“The issues being investigated are sensitive and the Chief Inspector was limited as to what he could divulge publicly, but I am reassured by him that the multi-agency approach to dealing directly with this problem has progressed and it is a plan that can be utilised if there was any similar outbreaks of crime in any other part of Moray.
Mr Ross added that the attack on the bus driver was "shocking". He said: “While it is welcome that the police and other agencies are dealing with the situation, some of the behaviour that has been captured and shared on social media are simply shocking.
"I’ve been in contact with Stagecoach to pass on my thoughts and best wishes to the driver who was assaulted and we have to do everything possible to protect people from these despicable attacks.”
Richard Lochhead, Moray's SNP MSP, described the assault as "distressing" and has also had meetings with Mr Reid.
"It is completely unacceptable for a bus driver to be assaulted whilst just trying to go about his job," he said.
"I can only imagine this incident was not only distressing for the driver involved, but also for the passengers on the bus and other young people.
"Following this incident, I have had discussions with the Police Scotland’s Area Commander for Moray and I welcome the quick action and arrest by local police officers."
