The number of children accused of attempted murder in Scotland shot up three-fold at the start of this year, sparking fears around young people’s increased participation in violent crime.
The rise appears to be in part driven by cases where adults appeared as a co-accused, with police officers pointing to the activity of organised crime gangs across the UK.
A report to Police Scotland reveals there were 17 cases involving 20 children between April and June this year.
That compares to just five cases for the same period in 2024, while the level of violence has also spread out to more parts of the country.
It also means children account for nearly a quarter of all attempted murders where a suspect was identified, spanning nine geographical divisions across Scotland.
Critics claimed the statistics are a product of “soft” justice policies over the years in relation to young people.
But Police Scotland said overall serious crime involving children is down significantly, and the Scottish Government highlighted a range of programmes designed to tackle the issue, including a £6 million Violence Prevention Framework.
The new report shows how the young people involved in murder bids used “bladed articles” and flammable materials, and at least one case involved the suspect striking a victim with a car.
And it adds there has been “an increase in these crimes involving adults as a co-accused”.
“There are a number of factors, one being the lack of deterrent and that’s a real issue,” said David Threadgold, chair of the Scottish Police Federation (SPF).
“There is no question adults are identifying young, vulnerable people and getting them to carry out crime.
“It’s a fertile ground for criminals to operate in and policing needs more resources to tackle it.”
The figures relating to attempted murder are contained in a report on youth violence by senior officers presented to the Scottish Police Authority.
It states overall violence among under 18s has dropped, with fewer violent crimes and cases where a child was caught with a weapon.
“There is no question adults are identifying young, vulnerable people and getting them to carry out crime
David Threadgold, SPF chair
However, the rise in attempted murders suggests those who are committing crime are prepared to escalate their actions, a trend the report authors described as “concerning”.
The reporting period – the first quarter of 2025/26 – followed closely from the high-profile killing of 15-year-old Amen Teklay in Glasgow.
In May, 16-year-old Kayden Moy was killed following a disturbance in Ayrshire.
There were also a series of other incidents involving youth disorder across the country.
“Every one of these incidents could have ruined their own life and ended those of their intended targets,” said Miles Briggs, the Scottish Conservatives’ education spokesperson.
“It is incredibly serious. A series of soft policies in relation to young criminals have not worked, and it’s time to get tough on those who think attempting to take someone’s life is a reasonable course of action.”
Officers on the ground can use stop-and-search powers on children they suspect of possessing weapons or drugs.
Between January and March this year, they successfully searched 119 boys and 27 girls across the country carrying a range of illegal items.
The youngest was an 11-year-old boy in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire, who was caught with a knife in March.
“The majority of young people will never involve themselves in violent crime”
ACC Mark Sutherland
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland said it is important young people are “supported and not stigmatised”.
“It’s important that people know Scotland remains a safe place to live and work with violent crime at very low levels,” he added.
“The majority of young people will never involve themselves in violent crime.
“Tackling the harmful effects of violent crime, which has a devastating impact on individuals, families and our communities, and supporting victims, remains a priority for our officers.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said “any violent incident should be condemned”.
“While overall youth violence has been decreasing, that is of no comfort to victims, which is why we continue to tackle youth violence through education programmes, effective consequences for offences, appropriate police powers and sustained school and community engagement with young people,” they added.
“The Scottish Government has made it crystal clear there is no reason to ever carry a weapon, including a knife, at any time.”