Edinburgh's Clermiston district is under siege from thug bikers and masked youths wielding baseball bats

Clermiston residents are living in fear from masked bandits in balaclavas wielding baseball bats and biker gangs terrorising their streets.

On Sunday, several residents were left furious and terrified after gangs of youths descended on the Clermiston area.

One group was recorded careering down Drumbrae Drive at around 4pm before mounting the kerb and racing across Clermiston Park.

A dog walker said he saw owners racing to their pets and parents to their children to ensure they were not in harm's way.

Dirt bikes on the streets of Edinburgh. Several bikers were caught on camera riding down Drumbrae Drive, Clermiston

Another resident said: “I was stood in my back garden on Sunday with my one year old and five year old playing when two guys appeared climbing over the fence and ran towards me.

“We were stunned and scared so I pointed to the gate but due to the locking mechanism not opening quick enough they started trying to push the whole gate over. Luckily it opened and my partner then appeared out the house and ran after them before they disappeared into other gardens.

“The neighbour next door saw others with baseball bats. I’m so glad my kids weren't at bottom or they may have been crushed.

“Last night a delivery driver called at 7:30 but I was too scared to open the door as I thought it might be the young guys. It is silly really but you don't realise how these things affect you.”

Local councillor Mark Brown condemned the recent incidents.

He said: “This comes just days after a bus driver had been attacked by a gang of youths in the area.

“It is fair to say that this type of behaviour is absolutely unacceptable and not only this but the outcome of their actions could lead to serious consequences because it may result in innocent parties becoming a victim of reckless behaviour.

“I urge anybody with any information to come forward to the police as this isn’t acceptable behaviour.”

Police Scotland said that at around 5pm on Sunday they received a number of calls regarding an ongoing disturbance involving a group of youths with offensive weapons.

Chief Inspector Sarah Taylor said: “This type of mindless, irresponsible and reckless criminality will not be tolerated in our community and there will be additional patrols in the area to reassure the public and deter further disorder.

“We are aware of ongoing issues with youths engaging in antisocial behaviour which is appalling. Local officers are working with partners to address these issues and proactively stop this activity.

“I would urge anyone with information or concerns regarding antisocial behaviour to contact Police Scotland through 101, or speak to officers out on patrol. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

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