A PRE-PLANNED clash between teenagers from Helensburgh and a neighbouring town resulted in two youths being charged with alleged serious assault.

The large-scale disturbance is understood to have begun at Helensburgh Central railway station, before sprawling through the down and on to the seafront. A 15-year-old received facial injuries at the town’s station, while two other teens, aged 16 and 14, were also attacked near East Clyde Street.

Police said the fracas was pre-planned via social media, and it is understood teenagers from Clydebank were involved in the disturbance.

Four teenagers were initially detained after the alleged assault of a 15-year-old at Helensburgh Central Station. But British Transport Police has since confirmed that two 16-year-old boys have been charged with serious assault.

A spokesman for British Transport Police said: “We were called to Helensburgh Central Railway Station shortly after 9.15pm on Monday, July 25, after reports of a fight.

“Officers from BTP and Police Scotland attended, alongside local ambulance colleagues and a 15-year-old boy was taken to hospital. His injuries are not life-threatening.

“In relation to this incident, two 16-year-old boys have been charged with alleged serious assault. They will appear at Dumbarton Sheriff Court at a later date.”

At around 8.30pm, up to 20 youths were reported to have clashed at the forefront of Tesco Petrol Station. Police, who had to call in reinforcements from Dumbarton, said two youngsters, aged 14 and 16, were assaulted and the two incidents were probably related.

A spokesman for Police Scotland said: “The incidents are understood to be related as they involve some of the same individuals, it is also understood that the incident at the train station was instigated by social media.”

Police have increased patrols within the town centre and stress anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and will be dealt with “robustly” by officers.

Additional officers from Dumbarton will assist with patrols temporarily while the investigations are ongoing.

Cllr Vivien Dance, chair of the Helensburgh and Lomond Crime Prevention Panel, said: “This week we hear of yet another assault and further anti-social behaviour which is frightening for all involved and creates the opposite impression for the town.

“The suggestion that this may have been pre-arranged through social media will no doubt be another facet for the police to follow up and bring the perpetrators of this mindless behaviour to justice.

“In the meantime most people in our community will find this difficult to comprehend as they would never choose to behave to others in this way.”

Resident Bryony Proud, 27, told the Advertiser: “I heard loud bangs and a load of scared teens who all ran down the front. I feel slightly scared with two young children in the house and things like this happening.

“There has definitely been a rise in crime in Helensburgh. It is not the same place I grew up in, that’s for sure.”

Residents also took to social media following the disturbance. One woman said: “Massive disturbance in the town tonight, police took their time arriving. About 20 youths fighting down on the seafront opposite the Tesco. Youths from Clydebank apparently.”

She added one man was “slashed” whilst others some were throwing “half bricks”.

Another said: “I arrived in Helensburgh on the 7.16pm arrival and the station was full of kids. Two British Transport Police officers travelled on the train and were taking the kids’ details when I left.”

A woman added: “It has happened before, social media is just making it more public but it’s not good for the town.”

A man said: “Arrived in Helensburgh to see guy that was slashed being helped by staff. Apparently been going on for a while. No sign of police until youths left the vicinity.”

Another woman said: “Just hope all the children involved were not seriously hurt. There has been a change in police presence in town lately which I was glad to see but the police station needs to be maned 24/7...as a deterrent.”

Replying to accusation of a slow response, a police spokesman said officers responded within 10 minutes.

A joint investigation with BTP and Police Scotland is ongoing.