A city MSP says the reported stabbing of a teenager in a Dundee street hammers home the stark reality of knife crime.
Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick was speaking after 17-year-old David Petrie, from Mid Craigie, was found seriously injured by a passer-by in Caird Avenue shortly after 6.30 on Thursday morning.
He was taken to Ninewells Hospital by ambulance and police immediately launched an intensive investigation in the area.
Caird Avenue was cordoned off, with sections of the street screened from view, while forensic specialists started a painstaking examination of the scene and a Tayside Police officer stood guard outside one of the blocks of flats near the top of the road.
Workers at nearby Baynes bakery said they had seen a man with blood ”all over his stomach” as they arrived to open the shop.
A police spokesman said the teenager was in a critical condition and asked anyone with information to contact the force on 0300 111 2222 or speak to any officer.
On hearing the news, Mr FitzPatrick said: ”The incident that has taken place in Caird Avenue today demonstrates the very serious consequences of carrying a knife.”
Mr FitzPatrick said incidents like these vindicate the Scottish Government’s attempts to reduce knife crime. He said the number of people killed by a blade is down 39% this year.