Net closing on motorbike suspects
Police are continuing their enquiries following Saturday’s hit and run incident on Ferry Road in which a ten year old boy was seriously injured. There was a significant police presence across the area yesterday as the search for those for those responsible goes on.
Officers executed two search warrants in Granton Mill March and Wardieburn Place West on Sunday evening. During this time they detained and subsequently charged a 20-year-old man with an unconnected offence and he is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today (Tuesday 22nd August).
Chief Inspector James Jones, Area Commander for Edinburgh North West, said: “I want to stress at this time that this arrest is not connected to the hit and run collision and that we still require the public’s assistance so we can bring the person responsible for this crime to justice.
“If you witnessed the incident take place, or if you have any information relevant to our ongoing investigation, then please contact police immediately. Your help could prove vital.
“I want to reassure local residents and the wider Edinburgh community that we are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness and will continue to conduct a thorough and professional investigation until the suspect is brought to account for their actions.”
The young victim is now recovering following six hours of surgery and is making good progress in hospital, but community representatives fear that, unless it is tackled, the ongoing motorcycle crime across North Edinburgh will result in fatalities.
Willie Black of West Pilton West Granton Community Council said: “They cannot continue to run about this area without death or serious injury being a consequence: someone, whether one of them or a member of the community, will be killed. Death will happen.”
Muirhouse Salvesen Community Council Chair Roy Douglas agreed that another serious accident was inevitable – it was always when, not if, someone else would be injured or even killed. He said: “Residents knew it was something that was going to happen and it adds fuel to the fire. The whole city is getting frustrated – and sickened – by this.
“There was a brief lull in antisocial behaviour at the start of the summer holidays after police action against the motorbike thieves, but the courts are not tough enough on the youngsters who were prosecuted. Sheriffs are too lenient – the police do a power of work dotting the ‘i’s and crossing the ‘t’s on the reports and then the kids go free from court, which is two fingers up to the cops outside.”
A description of the individuals sought by police has been issued. The first motorbike involved was red and driven by someone wearing a red and black ski-type jacket and a full-face crash helmet which was white with a purple and orange design.
The second motorcycle, the one that struck the boy, was a white Triumph Daytona 650cc. The rider was wearing a grey hooded top, dark tracksuit bottoms and a white full-face helmet with a coloured design. The motorcycle was abandoned at the scene before the driver ran off.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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