Published: Thursday, 28th January, 2010 6:00am

'Outrageous attack' on police station by youths

by Alex Lawrie

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POLICE are hunting a group of teenage vandals after they attacked the police station in Prestonpans.

The group of up to 10 teens - including both boys and girls - also hurled stones through several windows in Redburn Road and Rigley Terrace, causing £450 worth of damage.

Following their window smashing spree, the gang then targeted the town's police station; a car belonging to an officer was damaged in the station's car park after several stones had been thrown.

The attacks, which resulted in the officer's car receiving a smashed windscreen, took place between 8pm and 10pm last Tuesday.

There are approximately six boys and three girls in the group responsible for the damage, and all are thought to be aged between 14 and 17 years old.

One of the boys is described as being 6ft tall, of slim build and was wearing a grey tracksuit.

Another boy is of similar height, and was wearing a striped tracksuit top with short dark hair. One of the girls had dark hair, and was wearing a black hooded top with a white stripe down the arm.

Preston/Seton/Gosford councillor Margaret Libberton said: "This kind of behaviour is just so unacceptable. We've got to address this behaviour and stamp it out before someone gets hurt.

"Although the attack on the station is totally outrageous, it is the householders who I feel sorry for. I'm hoping the Prestonpans public will be helpful in the search for these teenagers."

A spokesperson for Prestonpans Community Council said: "This is a terrible indictment on our society. It is just not acceptable behaviour to be attacking, not just the police station, but innocent homeowners.

"Hopefully the public will come forward to report whoever is responsible for these attacks.

"It just goes to show how far down the line our society is going concerning the lack of respect these teenagers have for themselves and for authority."

A police spokesperson said: "These mindless acts have hit these homeowners hard in the pocket.

"We would appeal for anyone with any information about these incidents, or who may recognise the description of the suspects, to get in touch with police."

Anyone with information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131 or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.