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Police 'shocked' by level of violence in Shetland assault

BBC Part of the harbour area in Lerwick. A small ferry is stationary, next to a red building with cream windows. The sea and sky are blue and there's a green island in the distance. BBC
A boy and girl were attacked near the harbour area

Police say they have been "shocked" by the level of violence in an assault on two teenagers in Lerwick in Shetland on Friday night.

A 15-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy were taken to Gilbert Bain Hospital after the incident on Esplanade, near the town's harbour area, at about 21:10.

They were later released.

Videos claiming to show the attack were shared on social media over the weekend. Police Scotland said it was following a "positive line of inquiry".

Ch Insp Chris Sewell said he was "shocked" by the level of violence.

He said: "We cannot have a repeat of this weekend."

The officer said there would be a "robust response" and an increased police presence in Lerwick town centre over the coming weeks.

Sewell praised ongoing crime prevention work in Shetland, but said the incident demonstrated there was "a distance to go".

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