GANGS of youths have been slammed for terrorising staff at a busy restaurant with vile racist taunts and physical attacks.

The young thugs have been plaguing Silverburn Shopping Centre’s McDonald’s eatery in Glasgow’s Southside for several weeks.

Teenagers have vandalised the restaurant, hurled racist and physical abuse at staff, and intimidated customers prompting calls for parents to step in and “sort out” their children.

A member of the security team, who spoke to the Glasgow Times anonymously, said the situation had become a “nightmare headache” for staff.

He said: “It’s got to the point that we’re dreading every weekend because it’ll be coming up again.

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“It’s the same group of young people, causing the same problems and now, with the school holidays around the corner, it’ll probably step up again.”

Meanwhile, customers have taken to social media to vent their concerns over the situation which has been described as “absolutely disgusting”.

Families visiting the Pollok site on Saturday, March 25, claim to have witnessed children “as young as 12” who were drinking, banging on the windows and smashing alcohol bottles close restaurant’s entrance leaving staff “distressed”.

One wrote: “It’s a bad day when you don’t want to go to work for being scared of kids making your life hell.

“Such a shame.”

McDonald’s has now implemented a ban on under-16s entering the Southside eatery after 6pm without adult supervision, however, it’s done little to deter the small group of troublemaking youths.

A spokesperson for the fast-food chain said: “We’re experiencing anti-social behaviour issues at the restaurant, specific to one or two groups of teenagers.

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“It’s not isolated to McDonald’s and the restaurant team has been working with local businesses, the police and Silverburn shopping centre to try to find a workable solution.

“In the instances of anti-social behaviour, the Silverburn restaurant team has experienced racial, physical and verbal abuse. We’ve also seen instances of property damage from the same group.

“The safety and well-being of our staff and customers is the top priority. Until we’ve found a solution, this temporary measure will remain in place.”

The centre is working alongside the restaurant and local police officers in a bid to find a solution.

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A spokesperson for the shopping centre said: “Silverburn is aware of some issues with anti-social behaviour in the area and is working to find a resolution.

"We are here to support our tenants and guests, ensuring safety and security is paramount.”

Police Scotland confirmed officers were most recently called to assist security teams at the restaurant around 6pm on Saturday.

Enquiries are ongoing into an assault.

Inspector Jamie McFarlane from the local problem-solving team said: “We are aware of a recent rise in reports of youths involved in anti-social behaviour.

“We are working closely with a number of partner agencies to address these issues.  Our patrols will continue with officers providing reassurance to restaurant staff, security staff and the local community as well as engaging with young people to discourage this type of behaviour.

“We are committed to supporting the local community and will take the appropriate action when incidents are reported and offenders identified.

“Anyone who witnesses any incidents is encouraged to contact police by calling 101 as promptly as possible."