A convicted thug carried out vicious knife attacks on three teenagers on the platform of a railway station.

Callum Heap, 23, struck having previously been locked up for a racist assault and robbery on a taxi driver.

The latest crimes occurred at the then busy Balloch train station in West Dunbartonshire last June 9.

The victims - two boys and a girl, all 16 and who cannot be identified due to their age - were there as a "clearly intoxicated" Heap turned up with others.

One of the boys approached them before "words were exchanged".

Heap went on to run towards the girl as she came down the platform.

Prosecutor John McElroy KC told the High Court in Glasgow: "He lunged towards her and she attempted to run away.

"Heap stabbed her with a knife once to the upper back causing her to fall."

Heap then charged at one of the boys and slashed him a single time at the area of the face and neck.

The final 16 year-old was next to be attacked - he was struck on the hand.

Heap scaled a fence and raced out of the station.

Police arrived on the scene and they were told the assailant had been clocked hiding nearby.

An officer spotted Heap, who was clutching a claw hammer.

Mr McElroy: "The constable challenged him to drop the weapon, but Heap turned directly towards him and swung it in his direction."

Police eventually restrained him before discovering a blood stained lock back knife.

The court heard the girl needed staples to close the wound she suffered.

The two boys have been left scarred for life. The latter - who was struck on the hand - is likely to have continued issues. He may need specialist help for tendon and nerve damage.

Heap, of Shettleston, Glasgow, pleaded guilty to assaulting both boys to their severe injury and permanent disfigurement. One was also to the danger of his life.

The girl was attacked to her injury.

Heap's KC Thomas Ross said: "There is really nothing that can be offered in mitigation."

Lady Drummond adjourned sentencing for reports until July 5 in Dundee.