Day: August 15, 2024

Leith Links robbery: Witness appeal

Detectives are appealing for witnesses following a robbery which occurred in the Leith area on Monday night (12 August, 2024).

Around 11pm a 38-year-old woman was walking through Leith Links, close to Duncan Place, when she was approached by a man who grabbed her rucksack, causing her to fall to the ground.

The suspect made off towards Restalrig Road and Link Gardens.

The suspect is described as a white male, 30 to 40 years-old, 5ft6 and of thin build. He was wearing a long sleeved top, trousers, a dark baseball cap and spoke with a Scottish accent.

He was also in possession of a black and green mountaineering style rucksack which contained clothing and a number of high value items.

Detective Sergeant Ashley Rea said: “Thankfully the victim was not injured during the robbery however it was still a very distressing experience.

“We are appealing for anyone who was in the surrounding area around 11pm on Monday night who saw a man matching the suspect’s description, or who may have private CCTV or dash-cam footage of significance, to please get in touch.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2616 of Monday, 12 August, 2024. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Supporting community cohesion

Joint statement with STUC condemning recent disorder and racism

The First Minister and STUC General Secretary have issued a joint statement expressing solidarity with communities affected by recent disorder and racism in parts of the UK.

The joint statement follows First Minister John Swinney’s first biannual meeting with the Scottish Trades Union Congress, which took place yesterday.

The First Minister said: “Trade unions have a long and proud history of supporting those facing oppression at home and around the world and bringing communities together.

“The Scottish Government and STUC are aligned in our support of communities across the UK that have faced violence and intimidation instigated by far-right groups.

“Scotland is a diverse, multi-cultural society and this diversity strengthens us as a nation. There is no place in Scotland for hatred of any kind, and each of us has a responsibility to confront racism and religious prejudice, including Islamophobia, wherever and whenever it appears.

“I am grateful to Police Scotland for their ongoing efforts to keep communities safe and provide reassurance.” 

STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “Alongside the Scottish Government, we jointly condemn the recent, inexcusable violence and disorder perpetuated by the far-right across the UK.

“Scotland is not immune and we cannot become complacent. We must do all we can to oppose the far-right, including reaching out to our faith and migrant communities to offer solidarity, support and the reassurance that they enrich the social and cultural fabric of our nation. Scotland is their home. We stand with them.

“We’re pleased the First Minister recognises the role of our movement in opposing fascism and racism. That work continues.

“We won’t cower to hatred and prejudice. We will work with the Scottish Government to ensure inclusivity, respect and tolerance triumphs over persecution and ignorance and will oppose, across every village and town, those who wish to divide us.”

Muirhouse Park incident: Man to appear in Court

A 52-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a serious assault on Muirhouse Park at around 5.20am yesterday morning (Wednesday, 14 August, 2024).

A 43-year-old woman was taken to hospital for treatment.

This is being treated as an isolated incident and there was no wider risk to the public.

The man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today.