Tag: abduction

Man convicted of attempted murder of police officer

A 29-year-old man has been convicted of the attempted murder of a police officer in Edinburgh.

Thomas Malone pleaded to guilty to attempted murder, dangerous driving and abduction charges at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday (Tuesday, 14 April).

The incident took place at a petrol station on Stenhouse Road on the evening of Tuesday, 9 July, 2024.

The officer was struck by Malone, who was driving a stolen Mercedes GLE, while on foot attempting to bring the vehicle to a stop. Malone had stolen the vehicle from the Gorgie Road area earlier in the evening.

A 16-year-old boy was a passenger within the vehicle at the time it was stolen but escaped prior to the crash with no injuries.

The officer was met with immediate assistance from colleagues and Malone was arrested.

He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment to serious, but not life-threatening, injuries.

Detective Inspector Alan Sharp said: “This was a terrifying incident for the officer involved, who was left with serious injuries as a result of Malone’s actions, and our thoughts remain with those involved.

“The courage and determination shown by the officer and his colleagues, who were simply doing their job, led to the swift arrest of Malone and ensured that the threat he posed to officers and the community was quickly contained.

“I hope this conviction brings some comfort to the officer and his colleagues, as well as the boy involved, and sends a message that this type of violent behaviour against police officers and staff will not be tolerated.”

Superintendent Andrew Barclay, of Road Policing, said: “I want to express my thanks and gratitude to those involved for their bravery and professionalism when faced with such danger.

“Every officer has the fundamental right to come home from each shift unharmed. This type of incident shows the unpredictable and dangerous situations police officers can face, while doing their utmost to keep people safe.”

City police investigate abduction and attempted murder incident

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for information following an abduction and attempted murder incident which happened in the city centre overnight.

At around 10.45pm on Wednesday, 6 October, 2021, officers were alerted to a disturbance in Claremont Court where men were reported to have been fighting with weapons. One man was seen to have been forced from his vehicle, a grey Audi S5, into a second vehicle, which is described as a dark coloured hatchback.

This vehicle was reported to have blue flashing lights activated on the dashboard. The vehicle left Claremont Court along with two other vehicles; the grey Audi S5 and a white van.

A short time later officers were called to McDonald Road where the man forced into the back of the hatchback was found injured. It is believed that he had been assaulted while within the car, which had then driven at him when he exited the vehicle. This car then fled the scene.

The injured man, aged 26, was taken to hospital for treatment. His injuries are not life-threatening.

At around 1am this morning (Thursday 7 October), officers were called to Magdalene Avenue following a car fire. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the fire.

The vehicle found here has been confirmed as the grey Audi S5, which was stolen from the 26-year-old man in Claremont Court earlier in the night.

Detective Inspector Kevin Tait said: “The level of violence and intimidation shown during this incident is shocking and thankfully the victim was not left seriously injured. We believe this was a targeted attack.

“The suspects involved in his abduction from Claremont Court are believed to have arrived at the scene in two vehicles, the first a dark coloured hatchback, and the second a white van. Witnesses have reported there being four men, all wearing balaclavas.

“I’d urge anyone who witnessed the incidents in Claremont Court or McDonald Road to come forward and speak to officers. We’re especially keen for anyone who may have captured the incidents on dash cam or private CCTV to check their systems and provide relevant footage to us.

“The dark coloured hatchback vehicle the suspects used had blue lights activated on top of the dashboard at the front windscreen. This was not a police vehicle. I’d urge anyone who knows more about this vehicle, or could help us trace it and those connected to it, to get in contact with officers as soon as possible.”

Those with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 and quote incident number 3764 of 6 October. An anonymous report can be given to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.