New figures reveal a surge in violent crime across Scotland with attempted murders rising by 30% to more than 300 in a year.
Police Scotland say the number of attempted murders “increased substantially” to 329, including incidents involving two officers who were deliberately rammed by vehicle drivers.
The rise is even more marked over a shorter period, with 263 attempted murders recorded between April and December – an increase of nearly 40% compared with the same period the previous year.
Police say the figures include 12 domestic attempted murders, as well as three linked to child abuse.
Data shows serious youth violence continues to rise, with the number of under-18s accused of attempted murder more than doubling during the period, highlighting growing concerns over the scale and severity of offending among young people.
There were 24 attempted murders involving 31 accused children under 18, compared to 11 involving 24 in the same period last year. The majority were aged 16 and 17.
Scottish Conservative shadow community safety minister, Sharon Dowey, said: “These deeply concerning figures show violent crime is soaring on the SNP’s watch.
“It is even more alarming to see so many of these crimes involving those who are under 18.
“The SNP’s soft-touch justice system is allowing dangerous criminals to run riot in our communities and put public safety at risk.
“Over the last two decades, the SNP have cut police officer numbers, weakened sentences and put the needs of offenders first.
“The Scottish Conservatives would deliver a justice system that stands firmly with victims and delivers real consequences for those who commit these horrific crimes.”
There were 47 murders in the 12 months to December, a slight fall of two compared to the previous year. Three homicides involved five under-18s.
Police Scotland emphasise that while the majority of attempted murders are carried out by adults, there has been a noticeable increase in cases where adults are charged alongside under-18s for the same offence.
Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs said it is crucial not to “stigmatise our young people or build an atmosphere of fear” despite the number of violent attacks.
He said: “However, the number of under-18s accused of attempted murder continues to be of concern.
“We care deeply about violence and how it can affect young people.”
A force report reveals all regions and most police divisions are “seeing substantial increases” in attempted murder cases.
Fife Division recorded 13 attempted murders in just three months, alongside a rise in domestic-related crimes, with seven of these between October and December, compared with just one in the same period last year.
Overall, the division saw 12 domestic attempted murders in the year to date, and three linked to child abuse. Four cases involved a vehicle, including two where a vehicle was driven at police officers.
Lothians and Scottish Borders recorded 19 attempted murders in the year to date, up from 13 in the same period last year.
The report says 10 of those were recorded between October and December, noting one was a historic crime dating from 2011.
Police Scotland say the nine attempted murders that took place in Lothians and Scottish Borders during the period were all unrelated.
Six involved stabbing with a knife or bladed implement, two involved strangulation and one involved the use of a vehicle.
The report says: “It is important to note that the majority of those accused of attempted murders are adults, and the number of adults co-accused with under-18s for crimes of attempted murder has increased.
“While the number of attempted murders for which under-18s are accused has more than doubled compared to the same period last year, the overall proportion of those accused of attempted murder who are under 18 has only increased slightly, from 9.8% last year to 10.5% this year.”
DCC Speirs said significant work by the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit and its youth engagement team is focused on early intervention to help safeguard children and young people.
