Renewed appeal after series of incidents on Union Canal tow path

Detectives are renewing an appeal for information after two assaults on the Union Canal tow path in Edinburgh.

Both incidents happened on Sunday, 13 October.

The first happened near to Harrison Park around 7pm when a 31-year-old man was assaulted while cycling on the tow path. He was taken to hospital for treatment and later discharged.

The second happened near to Watson’s Rowing Club where a 50-year-old man walking on the path was assaulted. He was uninjured and did not require hospital treatment.

Officers are also investigating an incident around 5.40pm on the path near to Meggetland Bridge where a man acted in a threatening manner towards a woman walking in the area.

All three incident are being treated as linked.

Officers are working to identify a man described as being between 20 and 30-years-old, around 6ft tall, lean build, pale complexion, gaunt face, clean shaven, short dark hair with dark eyebrows.

He was wearing a dark blue hoodie and white trainers.

Detective Inspector Gordon Couper said: “We believe all three of these incidents are linked and would urge anyone with information to get in touch.

“We believe there were other people using the path around the time of these incidents and would urge anyone who witnessed anything to let us know. We’d also be keen to speak to anyone who have photographs or video footage from the area around these times.

“We would urge people to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to us. We have dedicated officers patrolling both the general area and the tow path specifically who you can speak to.

“Information can also be passed by calling 101, quoting incident number 2814 of Sunday, 13 October, 2024.

“Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.”

Police appeal following Southhouse incident

ASSAULT AND ROBBERY FOLLOWING FRACAS IN SOUTHHOUSE

POLICE in Edinburgh are appealing for information after two men were assaulted and a car was stolen in Southhouse.

Around 8.35pm on Friday, 26 January 2024, emergency services attended Southhouse Square, following reports of a disturbance involving several men.

One man, aged 25, was found seriously injured and taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. A second man, aged 24, was also injured in the altercation and sought medical treatment

Officers have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries and are checking for relevant CCTV footage for any additional information on those involved.

Enquiries have established a black BMW car, with the registration YF13 OWK, was also stolen. Officers are asking people with dash cams or recording equipment in the area at the time to check their footage as there may be images which could assist the investigation.

Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “I am appealing to anyone who was in the Southhouse Square area last night.

“The motive for these attacks is unknown and it is imperative we trace those responsible. Our enquiries have revealed that a group of up to five men were involved in a disturbance, which has resulted in two men being seriously injured.

“I would ask anyone who has any information regarding this incident to contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3666 of 26 January 2024. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with the assurance that you can give your information anonymously.

Three men charged following homophobic attack on Leith Street

Three men, aged 23, 22 and 21-years-old, have been arrested and charged in connection with two alleged assaults and homophobic crime following an incident involving two men on Leith Street, which happened on Friday 30 July 2021.

The men have been released on an undertaking to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

.Detective Inspector Mark McGraw said: “Any form of hate crime has a huge impact on those targeted.

“An attack on people because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, race or beliefs, is abhorrent and will not be tolerated.”

Police seek three men following assaults in Roseburn

Police are appealing for information after two men were assaulted in Roseburn. The incident happened at 3.15pm on a foot bridge at Roseburn Terrace yesterday (Saturday 27 March).

The two men aged 24 and 22 stopped to fix a bike on the footpath when they were approached by three men and assaulted. 

The 24-year-old man was taken the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.  The 22-year-old man did not require medical attention.

Detective Sergeant Callum Mill of CID in Edinburgh said : “We are appealing to anyone who was in the area and who witnessed the assault to come forward.

“We are keen to trace three men, one of whom is described as being 5’9″, aged 18-19 years old, black hair swept back, tall, of heavy build and wearing a navy puffa jacket. 

“The second man is described as being, 5’6”, of thin build, aged 18-19 years old, with a red mark on the side of face, wearing a puffa jacket with the hood up.

“The third man is described as being about 6’0”, of thin build, aged 18-19 years old, wearing a light blue top and bottoms with orange writing on the front of it, wearing a face mask and hood.

“Anyone who has information that will assist this investigation is asked to contact us through 101 quoting 2302 reference number of Saturday, 27 March, 2021. 

“Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

Police seek witnesses after women assaulted in Old Town

Police working on the investigation into the assaults of two women in Edinburgh are appealing for information to identify potential witnesses.

The incidents happened on Sunday, 25 October, 2020 in Cranston Street and West College Street. A 24-year-old man has been charged in connection with both incidents.

Police are appealing for anyone who was in the area between 6am and 9am and who may have any information that will assist their ongoing enquiries to come forward.

Police Scotland can be contacted on 101 quoting reference number 0905 of 25 October. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.