An 11-year-old school boy has been reported after allegedly being caught with a knife during a disturbance at a funfair.
Cops were called to Ayr Racecourse on Whitletts Road on Sunday afternoon following reports of disorder involving gangs of children and teenagers.
Sources say rival gangs of “drunk” youths were congregating at the fair before moving onto nearby Tesco supermarket and McDonalds restaurant, before the youngster was allegedly found carrying a knife.
The youngsters were allegedly abusing staff at both businesses with the disturbance becoming so bad that McDonalds refused entry to anyone under the age of 16 who was not with a parent.
A source said : “It was so bad. Police were there issuing dispersal notices as they were congregating around McDonalds and Tesco causing bother and being abusive towards staff.
“Most of these young ones were drunk and being very disruptive.
“Unfortunately this is happening on a weekend regularly up there and staff really shouldn’t have to put up with that kind of abusive behaviour from kids at their work.
“Something needs to be done to stop this from happening.”
The Horne’s Pleasure Family Funfair is currently on site at the racecourse which, locals say, is attracting more youngsters and adding to the disorder.
Complaining on social media, one woman said: “It’s heightened this week because of the shows but this happens every weekend sadly.
“Kids as young as 12 and 13 abusing staff, wrecking the stores and being sick due to being drunk.
“Half 4 in the afternoon on Sunday, staff had to deal with vomit because young ones drank too much alcohol. Sad to see, to be honest.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “At 4pm on Sunday, 23 March, 2024 we received a report of a male youth with a weapon in the Whitletts Road area of Ayr.
“Officers attended and an 11-year-old will be reported to the relevant authorities.”
A spokesman for Horne’s Pleasure Family Fun Fairs said: “Our on site security team were given a tip off that a minor may have been in possession of a weapon.
“Police were notified and the youth was subsequently arrested and dealt with by Police Scotland.
“Safety is always our number one priority and we urge any member of public with any concerns, no matter how small, to approach a member of our staff or security team on site.”
McDonalds has been contacted for comment.
