CCTV appeal following a serious assault around 11pm on 18 July 2022 at Brighton Place, Portobello
Police in Edinburgh have issued images of a male they believe may have information that can assist them with their investigation into a serious assault that occurred around 11pm in Portobello on Monday the 18 July 2022.
The male is described as being white, around 40 years old, around 6ft2” tall, bald head, thin build. He is shown in the image as wearing a light coloured t-shirt with a design on the front and shorts.
Detective Constable Mark Walker of Gayfield CID said: “I would urge the male, or anyone who has information relating to the male, depicted in these images to make contact with the Police.
“Members of the public can contact Police Scotland via the 101 non-emergency telephone number quoting incident number 3631 of 22 July 2022. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”
Road policing officers in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses after a car was seen travelling the wrong way on the A720 Edinburgh City bypass and later refused to stop.
Around 1.10am this morning (Tuesday, 11 October, 2022), officers received a report of the movements of a blue Vauxhall Astra car.
Roads policing officers attended and following a pursuit, deployed tactics to bring the car to a stop on the M9 between Junction 1A and 2.
The M9 was closed at 2am and reopened shortly after 5.30am.
Three police officers were taken to Forth Valley Hospital to be checked over.
Inspector Stephen Quinn said: “Our enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the vehicle which failed to stop are ongoing.
“I would urge anyone who may have witnessed this vehicle’s movements or was in the area around the time of the pursuit to contact police.
“Also, anyone with dash-cam footage which could assist our investigation should get in touch.”
Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting incident number 0115 of 11 October.
Police are seeking the assistance of the public in trying to locate a 28-year-old male, missing from Edinburgh.
Connor Murray was last seen around 5.30am in Longstone Street, Wester Hailes.
Connor is white with a slim build and short blond hair. He may be wearing black jogging trousers and carrying a blue rucksack.
A number of searches are under way to locate Connor, with officers also checking relevant CCTV footage from in and around the area.
Inspector Keith Scott said: “Connor’s family is understandably very worried about him and they just want him home safe and well.
“We are currently completing extensive enquiries with all his family and friends for any information which could assist us in finding him. If anyone has seen Connor or has any information as to his whereabouts, please contact us immediately.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 850 of 8 October, 2022.
UPDATE
MISSING PERSON – TRACED
We are pleased to confirm that Connor Murray has been traced safe and well. We would like to thank the public for their assistance.
Police Scotland has released images of two women they believe may hold information which might assist in relation to a fatal road traffic collision which occurred around 2.40am on Sunday, 19 June, 2022 on Easter Road.
A 21-year-old man died as a result of the collision and 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the collision.
The first woman is described as white, aged between 30-40 years, large build, blonde hair with darker roots tied up in a bun, wearing glasses, light clothing, carrying two full “bags for life” and a mobile phone.
The second woman is described as white, aged between 50-60 years, very skinny build, dark hair, dark trousers and possibly a maroon jacket, carrying a large dark handbag and was seen struggling to walk.
Constable Joanna Murphy, from the Edinburgh Road Policing team, said: “I would urge the women, or anyone who has information relating to the women, depicted in these images to make contact with the Police.
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact the police on 101, quoting incident 0590 of Sunday, 19 June 2022. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be passed on anonymously.”
Police have released images of two men they believe may hold information which might assist in relation to a serious assault that took place around 3am on Friday 22 April at the taxi rank outside the Radisson Blu Hotel on the Royal Mile.
The first man is described as being between 30-40 years of age with dark hair, 6ft 2ins to 6ft 4ins in height and of large build. He was wearing a dark-blue jacket, grey shirt, black trousers and black shoes.
The second man is described as being between 20-30 years of age with dark hair, 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10ins in height with a short beard. He was wearing a white ‘Vans’ t-shirt and blue jeans with black and white trainers.
Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe, of Gayfield CID, said: “I would urge the men, or anyone who has any information relating to either of the men depicted in these images to make contact with police.
“Members of the public can contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0291 of 22 April. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”
The charity Crimestoppers has launched a new campaign in partnership with Network Rail and British Transport Police to highlight how criminal ‘County Lines’ gangs target young people and exploit them to carry cash, drugs and weapons.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of County Lines, which is when criminals expand their drug networks to Scottish cities and towns, bringing serious criminal behaviour such as violence, exploitation and abuse.
The term County Lines refers to the use of a single telephone number to order illegal drugs, operated from outside the local area.
This is having a massive impact on Scotland’s towns and cities and also on vulnerable young people and adults who are being exploited. Young people often transport cash and drugs all over the country, so that the criminals behind them can remain detached and are less likely to be caught.
Many travel by public transport, which is why Network Rail has pledged their support by raising awareness of the problem and are encouraging staff and passengers to become familiar with the signs of exploitation.
The gangs often set up a base in a rural area for a short time, taking over the home of a vulnerable person by ‘cuckooing’ and use adults and children to act as drug runners.
Law enforcement across the UK, including here in Scotland, has made significant arrests of people involved in this type of activity. Many vulnerable adults and children who have been coerced into these activities have been safeguarded.
The campaign, supported by Network Rail, will use a series of `spot the signs’ posters, postcards and social media tools to help raise awareness of the issue across Scotland.
Angela Parker, Scotland National Manager for the independent charity Crimestoppers, said: “County Lines isn’t necessarily a term people are familiar with, but as a charity it’s important we raise awareness of this issue and help tackle it.
“Gangs coming into our communities here in Scotland, are not welcome. We want to ensure that if they do decide to set-up their operation here, that your information can help get them removed and keep our communities safe.
“When you contact us, we won’t judge or ask any personal details. All we want to know is what you know. We guarantee you’ll remain 100% anonymous. Always.
“If you have any information about people who have recently moved into Scottish communities to sell drugs, please contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the simple and secure anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.”
Minister for Community Safety Ash Regan said:“I welcome today’s launch of this important campaign. Raising awareness of the threats posed by County Lines gangs is a key element in tackling organised crime and reducing the harm it causes to our communities.
“The Scottish Government, along with partners on Scotland’s Serious Organised Crime Taskforce, is committed to continuing to bring to justice those who supply illegal drugs and cause untold harm to some of our most vulnerable individuals and communities.
“I would like to thank Crimestoppers and our other partner agencies for their determined efforts to take illegal substances off Scotland’s streets and to dismantle the groups responsible.”
Allan Brooking, Senior Community Engagement Manager at Network Rail said:‘Network Rail is delighted to be supporting Crimestoppers’ County Lines campaign. Our Company plays a vital role in connecting people across Scotland, so it’s hugely important to us to help safeguard young people at risk of, or being exploited by, criminals.
“Our partners at BTP and staff across the organisation have been equipped with information on what to look out for and we will be sharing the campaign at stations and with passengers.’
Detective Superintendent Garry Mitchell of Police Scotland: ““Police Scotland officers work hard to keep our communities safe and make the country a hostile environment for organised criminals to operate.
“Exploiting the most vulnerable people, including children, is the approach of those who operate County Lines. They intimidate, coerce, threaten and use violence to groom young people and force them to transport, store and sell drugs for their own nefarious benefit.
“We will continue to work in partnership with Crimestoppers, Network Rail and British Transport Police to safeguard individuals who are recognised as being at risk and are grateful for their support.
“If you have information about anyone involved in County Lines, and importantly anyone who may be at risk, please get in touch with police or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Detective Superintendent Gareth Williams, British Transport Police’s County Lines Taskforce lead, said:“County lines gangs target young and vulnerable members of society and exploit them to run harmful drugs between locations, which can be hundreds of miles apart.
“As a force we are dedicated to identifying and safeguarding those exploited in this crime type to pull them out of harm’s way and away from a life of crime. Our specialist teams are working across the railway network in Scotland, and the entirety of the UK, every day to make it a hostile environment for drug suppliers to operate.
“Successfully combatting this offending requires a collaborative approach, not only with our policing colleagues but with the rail industry and the third sector. Crimestoppers’ anonymous reporting service is integral in this work as it provides us with crucial information we use to target and apprehend county lines gangs.”
An 80-year-old man has been found guilty of the murder of Renee and Andrew MacRae in the Highlands in 1976. William MacDowell was convicted following a trial at the High Court in Inverness on Thursday.
Renee, 36, and her three-year-old son Andrew left their home in Inverness on November 12, 1976, heading south on the A9.
Their BMW car was discovered on fire in a lay-by near Dalmagarry later that evening. Neither Renee nor Andrew have been seen since and their bodies have never been found.
MacDowell was arrested in September 2019 after an extensive review and re-investigation carried out by detectives from Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team and local officers, building on decades of work carried out since 1976.
On behalf of the family, Morag Govans, Renee’s sister and Andrew’s aunt, said: “Almost 46 years on, the pain of losing Renee and Andrew in such a cruel and brutal fashion never fades.
“Today there is finally justice for them. It’s a day we feared would never come.
“They were both so precious to us and a day never passes without them both in our thoughts.
“Renee was a compassionate and caring mother. Both Andrew and his elder brother Gordon were her life. She adored them and was so proud of her boys.
“Andrew would be 48 today, he was never given the chance to build his own life.
“The passage of time has not eased the anguish we feel, we have never been able to lay Renee and Andrew to rest or properly mourn their loss.
“Not knowing where their remains lie only compounds the pain.
“Thinking of the terror they both must have felt before they died continues to haunt us.
“We will never comprehend why their lives had to be taken in such a calculated and callous manner by William MacDowell (below).
“If he has a shred of decency in his body, he will now reveal where they both lie.”
Detective Chief Inspector Brian Geddes said: “Renee and Andrew’s family, and friends, have waited decades for justice and I hope that the outcome in court today can provide some form of closure for them.
“They have carried themselves with absolute dignity throughout and they are very much in my thoughts today.
“The murders of Renee and Andrew MacRae have had a significant impact on people in Inverness, and beyond for decades.
“It is fitting to know that despite the passage of time, justice has finally been served.”
He added: “Although justice has now been done, Renee and Andrew’s bodies have not been found and I would urge anyone who may have information about where they are to come forward so they can be provided with the dignity they deserve.
“In particular I would appeal directly to William McDowell to speak to us and allow to bring closure to their family.”
The investigation into the disappearances of Renee and Andrew MacRae has been one of Scotland’s longest running and enduring cases and has been subject to an ongoing police investigation since the events of November 1976.
Latterly it was subject to an extensive review led by detectives from Police Scotland’s Major Investigations Team, which initially commenced in 2017, and a re-investigation started in 2018.
This review and re-investigation involved assessing all the available material gathered over more than four decades, reviewing previous witness statements and where possible re-interviewing people who had given information about the case. All modern investigative techniques were considered and applied where appropriate.
The enquiry also involved a major operation in 2019 to drain and forensically search Leanach Quarry near Inverness for evidence. This involved removing more than 100,000 tonnes of material, with more than 5,000 tonnes subject to a thorough search by specialist officers over a five month period. Even though no evidence was found at Leanach Quarry, this was a significant line of enquiry which had to be exhausted.
William McDowell was ultimately arrested in Cumbria in September 2019 as a result of the extensive enquiries into the disappearances of Renee and Andrew MacRae.
Police Scotland’s Positive Action Team will be hosting an online information and recruitment event aimed at women across Scotland.
This event, on Tuesday 4th October from 6.30 – 8pm – will give attendees a fantastic opportunity to hear from serving female officers and their experiences as a police officer in Scotland as well as the opportunity to ask questions.
The event will also focus on the recruitment process and the training, with a unique insight in to life at the Scottish Police College at Tulliallan from a female perspective.
To sign up, please contact the following email address:
http://ow.ly/fJYS50L39P9
Where do you store your keys?
In your house near the door, on a hook, in a bowl near the door?
