TRAGEDY IS NORM FOR OUR CHILDREN

Heartbroken family of son killed by teenage girl demand action must be taken to stem the deadly brutality plaguing Scots communities and back Record campaign to tackle youth violence

-  SALLY HIND

THE family of a teenager murdered by the country’s youngest female killer have pleaded with the government to protect more young people from a terrifying surge in violence.

Conner Cowper was just 18 when he was stabbed to death in a vicious unprovoked attack by 17-year-old Jolene Doherty at a party in Holytown, Lanarkshire.

Now his heartbroken mum and gran are backing the Daily Record’s Our Kids... Our Future campaign and have penned a harrowing letter to Scotland’s Justice Secretary about the brutality that continues to plague communities across Scotland.

Conner’s mum Linda Fraser, from Airdrie, feels “nothing has changed” since losing her only child in the most brutal way and says the streets have become a “war zone” for many young people.

Linda, 42, said: “Nothing has changed since our Conner. It all seems like empty promises.

“The streets are getting worse. It’s like a war zone out there for our children and the violence is everywhere.

“It has almost become the norm to see the tape and hear of yet another incident.

“When I hear of these tragedies again and again, it just makes me think of my Conner and it all feels like yesterday.”

Since February, the Record has been lobbying the Scottish Government in response to a series of shocking attacks involving children which we have reported on across Scotland.

Conner’s family are echoing our calls for action and have set out their own demands for change.

They want to see more police on the streets in the hardest-hit communities ; more investment in social work and support services to detect children who could pose a serious risk; tougher sentences for young people convicted of violent offences; and more cash for community projects for young people.