Monday 22 April 2013

Travellers blamed after hockey airgun shooting - Aberdeenshire

From the Scotsman.com

A POLICE probe is being carried out after hockey players were shot at by airgun pellets in Aberdeen.

• Police have launched a probe after an airgun attack on hockey players in Aberdeen

• Players were shot at with airgun pellets at Aberdeen Sports Village

• Children from a nearby travelling community have been blamed by players

Games at the city’s Sports Village had to be abandoned after three players were hit by shots allegedly fired by children at a nearby Travellers’ site.

The incident happened during a match between the University of Aberdeen thirds and Highland thirds on Saturday.

Players claim they were targeted by children from a nearby caravan site which Aberdeen City Council has tried to shut down.

It is alleged the youngster were also verbally abusing the players as well as firing BB guns.

A spokeswoman at the sports centre confirmed that security has been tightened after the incident, which happened at about 2.30pm on Saturday,

She said: “An incident on the hockey pitch was reported to Aberdeen Sports Village staff on Saturday afternoon and this matter has been referred to the police for further investigation.

“The safety of our customers and staff is paramount and as a result of the incident we have moved some fixtures and increased our security presence at the village.”

Neil Cooney, convener of Aberdeen City Council’s housing and environment committee, insisted the council was trying to find another home for the Travellers.

He said: “We are trying hard to find a way for the settled community to live alongside each other.”

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that a complaint has been received and enquiries into the matter are ongoing.”

Aberdeen City Council has already filed legal paperwork to have the Travellers evicted from the site.

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