Tag: Crime

Police seek witnesses to Leith Links attack

police (4)Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses following a serious sexual assault in Leith Links in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The incident happened at 1am, when a 28-year-old woman was approached by a man who produced a knife before subjecting her to the attack. The man then made off and the victim contacted police.

The suspect is described as being of Pakistani/South Asian appearance and wearing a grey hooded top and black tracksuit bottoms. Anyone who can assist with this ongoing enquiry is asked to come forward.

Detective Inspector Keith Fairbairn said: “This was a horrendous attack, which left the victim deeply distressed and she is now being supported by Police Scotland and other relevant partner agencies.

“The incident was carried out in a public area and we are keen to hear from anyone who was in or around Leith Links in the early hours of Thursday morning and saw anything suspicious.

“Similarly, anyone who recognises the description of the suspect, or who has any further information that can help us trace the man responsible is also asked to contact police immediately.”

Chief Inspector Sara Buchanan said: “We understand that this incident may have an impact on the local community and so high-visibility patrols are currently being deployed within the Leith Links to engage with members of the public and offer reassurance.

“In addition officers will be liaising with relevant partner agencies to assist anyone affected by this attack.

“I would urge anyone who wishes to speak with an officer in relation to this incident to approach one of the officers at the scene, contact 101 or make an anonymous report via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Leith Links sex attack: man charged

police (4)

A 24-year-old man has been charged with rape following a serious sexual assault on Leith Links in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The incident happened at 1am, when a 28-year-old woman was approached by a man who produced a knife before subjecting her to the attack. The man then made off and the victim contacted police.

Detective Inspector Keith Fairbairn said: “This was a horrendous attack, which left the victim deeply distressed and she is now being supported by Police Scotland and other relevant partner agencies.

“The incident was carried out in a public area and we are keen to hear from anyone who was in or around Leith Links in the early hours of Thursday morning and saw anything suspicious.

“Similarly, anyone who recognises the description of the suspect, or who has any further information that can help us trace the man responsible is also asked to contact police immediately.”

Chief Inspector Sara Buchanan said: “We understand that this incident may have an impact on the local community and so high-visibility patrols are currently being deployed within the Leith Links to engage with members of the public and offer reassurance.

“In addition officers will be liaising with relevant partner agencies to assist anyone affected by this attack.

“I would urge anyone who wishes to speak with an officer in relation to this incident to approach one of the officers at the scene, contact 101 or make an anonymous report via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

#StrongerNorth Latest update

Just time to add one more pre-upgrade post … information from local police as part of the #StrongerNorth initiative:

DrylawPolice

6 November report: Disturbances in the Forth area

Following several minor incidents of disorder in the Forth area of Edinburgh last night, a number of fireworks were thrown at Drylaw Police Station.

As a response, we deployed extra resources to the Drylaw and West Pilton areas, including two specialist support units. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were also in attendance. After these resources were deployed, no further incidents occurred.

Chief Inspector Sara Buchanan said: “Such behaviour will not be tolerated and further investigation is being carried out to identify those responsible.
We continue to place a strong focus on youth disorder and anti-social behaviour, and we in North Edinburgh are committed to tackling these issues in conjunction with our partners, through our Stronger North initiative, and we will take action whenever we receive a report of a crime.”

‪#‎StrongerNorth‬

#StrongerNorth: working together to make Pilton safer

#StrongerNorth initiaitive launched in WestPilton

DSCF2321Police Scotland, the city council and the local community have joined forces to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in North Edinburgh. Working together under the #StrongerNorth banner, they will work together to address community safety concerns across the area.

Last month, residents expressed anger at an apparent failure by local agencies to respond to concerns over antisocial behaviour in West Pilton. A public meeting followed the stabbing of a Chinese takeaway shop owner and residents demanded action to tackle gangs of ‘out of control’ youths. Last night’s meeting, again organised by West Pilton West Granton Community Council, was an opportunity for the authorities to respond.

Around twenty local residents attended the meeting in West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre, and heard that both police and the city council have poured extra resources into the area to address community concerns. The agencies are working closely together on a number of initiaitives to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in the area and local residents were told that ‘West Pilton will remain a high priority for us as long as it needs to be’.

Local area Commander Sarah Buchanan acknowledged that communication with the local community was not as good as it should have been and told the meeting that this now being addressed. “We are very aware of your concerns and we are acting to address these”, she said. ” It is really important to share information about what we are doing at all sorts of different levels and we will continue to do this. #StrongerNorth will help to improve communications with the local community- we will endeavour to get out as much information about what we are doing as we can, as quickly as we can.”

North Neighbourhood Manager Peter Strong highlighted a number of ongoing initiatives and assured the meeting that community concerns are being taken seriously. “We recognise there is a crisis, and we are here to help. This is not just about the council, or the police. It’s about all of us working together to make this a good community to stay in.”

Concerns were raised again over punishments and ‘rewards’ – there is still a perception that the ‘bad’ kids get all the treats to encourage them to change their behaviour, while ‘good’ kids go without.

Senior Children & Families official Alistair Gaw outlined procedures for dealing with offending children, and said: “The Children’s Hearings have substantial powers, but we are dealing with very serious problems. A number of these young people have had hundreds of charges”.

Community councillor Willie Black called for the local community to rally round to to support – and lead – efforts to change the area. “It’s fight or flight”, he said. “We don’t want to see people leaving the area, we’ve got to fight to make our community a vibrant place that people want to come to. There are some truly great things happening all across this area and we’ve got to build on that.

“We’re here – it’s our patch and we need to get it sorted. We can build an area where everyone can feel welcome – an area everyone can be proud of.”

#StrongerNorth Leaflet Nov 14

West Pilton antisocial behaviour: meeting tomorrow night

wpilton

WEST PILTON UPDATE

Meeting Tuesday 4 November

The Community Council meeting will discuss their normal agenda business from 6pm to 7:30 pm which is open to all. Anyone interested in joining our Community Council is most welcome as are observers.

At 7:30 pm in the main Function Hall of the West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre there will be the report back from Area Commander Sarah Buchanan and Police Inspector David Happs on what has been happening, what is being done, and their plans for our future policing in our area.

You are all cordially invited to attend and voice your opinions and ask your questions. We would ask you to conduct these in a polite way just as you did at the last meeting.

Any persons attending from a Community Group can address the meeting – giving an update on their involvement and actions to create a better living environment.

Young people are especially welcome to come and give their views.

Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow evening.

West Pilton West Granton Community Council

Police action in West Pilton producing results

News from Edinburgh North Police

PoliceWest Pilton Community Action

Police patrols continue in the West Pilton and surrounding areas. This week the following results have been achieved:

* 62 persons stopped and searched.
* 14 persons arrested or reported
* Male arrested on two warrants relating to domestic abuse
* 2 pedal cycles have been recovered, valued at £2000
* Male charged with breach of the peace after causing ASB in the area
* Male charged with supplying controlled drugs with £330 drugs recovered.
* Fireworks seized from 5 youths in West Pilton
* Male stopped and searched, found with heroin
* Male found in possession for NPS.
* Following pursuit of stolen car a male made off and was traced hiding nearby. Was then charged with Housebreaking offences after stolen property found in the car.
* Bail conditions enforced and a male charged for failing to adhere to conditions.
* Two drivers charged with driving un-roadworthy vehicles
* A female c/c with possession of cannabis.

Chief Inspector Sara Buchanan said: “This action highlights our continued commitment to the West Pilton community and we will be working further with our partner agencies to improve the quality of life for local residents, tackle the issues at the heart of the community and build a ‪#‎StrongerNorth‬”

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Eyre Place attack: man to appear in court

SherriffCourt

A man will appear in court today following an alleged sex attack on a woman in Canonmills.

Police confirmed a suspect aged 35 is being held in connection with the attempted rape of a 21-year-old woman near Smithies pub in Eyre Place.

He is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today.

The victim was said to have been subjected to a serious sexual assault at about 4am on 8 October.

Pilton attack – man charged with attempted murder

SherriffCourtPolice Scotland have confirmed that an 18 year old man has been charged with attempted murder and will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court court on Monday following the attack on a Chinese man in West Pilton on Wednesday evening.

The victim of the attack – named locally as the owner of the Peking Garden takeaway,  Jie Yu – remains in a ‘serious but stable’ condition in Edinburgh’s Royal Infirmary hospital.

Police still seek two men in relation to the incident and have appealed to the public for information.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Boyd said: “We are continuing to follow a positive line of enquiry into this incident, including the theft of the victim’s car prior to the serious assault. Anyone with information about either incident should contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

police forensics

Chinese man ‘serious’ following Pilton race hate attack

police (4)

A Chinese father of three is being treated in hospital for serious injuries following a horrific attack by three men in West Pilton last night. 

The victim suffered multiple injuries – including stab wounds – during the vicious attack which happened near the corner of West Pilton Grove and Park at around 9.30 last night. He has been named locally as Jie Yu, owner of the Peking Garden takeaway on Ferry Road Drive, and it’s thought he confronted to men as they attempted to steal his car.

One of the alleged attackers has since been detained and police say they are following a ‘positive line of enquiry’.

Superintendent Liz McAinsh said: “This was a vicious assault which left the victim in need of medical treatment and he remains in hospital in a serious condition.

“Hate crime is completely unacceptable and Police Scotland will relentlessly pursue those responsible.

“I would like to reassure the public that we have devoted significant resources to this enquiry to identify and apprehend those responsible”.

If you have any information call Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers in anonymity on 0800 555 111.

pilton investigation