RESIDENTS have reported youths causing mayhem in Knightswood recently – including lighting a firework “in between a tree”.

Last week, fireworks were set off in and around Knightswood Park on Monday and again on Wednesday night.

A nearby resident, who asked not to be named, said: “I was sat in my car on Monday evening and I saw a hoard of teenagers setting off fireworks.

“They were causing a bit of mayhem, running around Archerhill Road and the park, causing havoc in amongst the traffic.

“The fireworks are not only upsetting the swans, the dogs and the wildlife, they are upsetting to people too.

“I didn’t see this, but I believe they also put one in the middle of a tree outside the high flats on Kirkton Avenue.

“The mob were also running at people, and people were getting startled. I could see people were afraid to be near them.

“As on older person myself, I wouldn’t go out to the park at night anymore.”

Councillor Michael Cullen said there has been an ongoing issue with anti-social behaviour in the area for quite a considerable amount of time.

He said: “Last year we successfully identified those involved and got them into restorative justice – we got them down fixing the damage they caused.

“Following the ease of lockdown restrictions, the anti-social behaviour has been increasing, it’s been a bit sporadic.”

The Garscadden/Scotstounhill councillor is urging residents to report any incidents to police.

He added: “When trying to get extra police patrols, we have to reference sources and incidents and if people are not telling us then we don’t know about it.

“We need people to report incidents via 101 – you don’t need to leave your name – and then we can work with officers to get extra resources in the area.

“If it was youths destroying the tree with fireworks then that is ridiculous and a clear public safety risk.

“All it takes is for a firework to go the wrong way and seriously injure someone.

“It has to be dealt with.”

A Police Scotland spokeswoman confirmed a report had been made on Monday night.

She said: “We received a report of fireworks being set off in Knightswood Park around 6.20pm on September 28.

“Officers attended but there was no trace of anyone.”

Meanwhile, councillor Bill Butler, who described the behaviour as “unacceptable”, said along with councillor Eva Murray he would be taking the matter up with the local inspector to see what can be done to prevent any reoccurance.