Up to 15 youths allegedly attacked Toronto transit workers in Scarborough: police

Toronto police are investigating after it was reported that up to 15 young people attacked transit employees in Scarborough.

In a tweet, police said the incident was reported in the area of Kennedy and Merrian roads, where the Kennedy subway and GO train station are located.

Officers received reports a group of 10 to 15 youths had attacked three Toronto transit employees on a bus.

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) said in a tweet that it was investigating the “despicable swarming” of on-duty employees.

The TTC said two of its staff were assaulted, while police said three employees were the alleged targets. Police later clarified they believed two TTC workers were victims.

“We will, as always, give police our full co-operation and any video we have,” the TTC said.

The Amalgamated Transit Union says in a statement that two of its members were “violently assaulted” and have reported physical injuries.

The young people allegedly fled the scene. The injuries were considered non-life-threatening, according to police.

In a statement Monday evening, Toronto Mayor John Tory encouraged anyone with information to “help police find those responsible for this attack so they can face consequences for their behaviour.”

“We have to put an end to these acts of violence and disrespect against transit workers,” he said.

Tory said he is also “very concerned” about the increasing number of criminal acts involving young people.

“I strongly believe this is something all governments have to work together to urgently address with social and mental health experts,” Tory continued.

Coun. Jon Burnside echoed the mayor’s words, saying he was “appalled” by the incident.

— with files from Global News’ Hannah Jackson and a file from The Canadian Press