Police probe 'teenager seen with machete at playground' amid spate of incidents
A police probe has been launched amid claims a teenager was armed with a machete at a playground.
Officers were sent to the park in question after the alarm was raised about a youngster with a blade yesterday evening, Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
Social media was awash with claims that someone had been armed with a machete and threatening people at a row of shops next to the park.
The operation in Central Avenue, Ardrossan, North Ayrshire, comes amid a spate of antisocial behaviour around the playground.
And it came the day after a man was attacked with a machete outside a cafe elsewhere in the town.
Numerous bonfires have also been started on the grass next to the playground in the last week.
Firefighters from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have been called out on a number of occasions to extinguish blazes on the grass, which is next to the town's Stanley Primary School and Whitlees Community Centre.
The fires have been started by youths in the area, who have been stealing wheelie bins and other items from gardens to add to the bonfires.
Sergeant Mark Semple said: "Around 8.45pm on Tuesday, 6 October, 2026, we were called to a report of a male youth with a knife as part of a larger gathering in the vicinity of Central Avenue in Ardrossan.
"No weapons were recovered and enquiries are ongoing.
"Local officers are continuing to carry out routine patrols in the area and work closely with partner agencies.
“The vast majority of people who enjoy the area do not engage in anti-social behaviour.
"We are committed to encouraging people away from this kind of behaviour but will take appropriate action where incidents are reported and offenders identified.
“Information from the public is vital. If you witness antisocial behaviour in the area, report it and engage with officers. Providing CCTV or other footage will help us identify those involved.
"Anyone with any information or concerns should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting 3280 of Tuesday, 6 October, 2026."
On the machete attack outside the town's Cafe Palazzo, a Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 4.15pm on Monday, 5 October, 2026, we received a report of a serious assault in the Glasgow Street area of Ardrossan.
“Officers attended and a 38-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment.
“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has also been approached for comment.
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