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.”

Operation Portaledge: Man convicted of machete attack in Edinburgh

A 50-year-old man has been convicted following a violent offence in Edinburgh.

Anthony Brown pleaded guilty at the High Court in Glasgow yesterday (Tuesday, 14 April, 2026), to assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement and danger of life.

Officers were made aware of the attempted murder of a 54-year-old man on Pitcairn Grove in Greenbank around 9.20pm on Thursday, 22 May, 2025.

Brown was arrested and charged in connection with the incident on Friday, 4 July, 2025, following the execution of a warrant.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry, Specialist Crime Division, said: “Another individual has been convicted in relation to this violent incident.

“This conviction is testament to the hard work and dedication by detectives, specialist officers and partners across the country.

“Police Scotland remains committed to the Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce and its national strategy.”

Operation Portaledge is the ongoing investigation into violent incidents in the East and West of the country.

Man arrested in connection with human trafficking and exploitation offences

A man has been arrested and charged in connection with an ongoing operation to tackle retail crime.

This operation forms part of Operation Dynos, with officers gathering information over the last few months. Following enquiries, officers believe that vulnerable young people are being targeted to steal alcohol from stores across the west of Scotland.

On Friday (10 April, 2026), officers arrested and charged a 42-year-old man in connection with human trafficking and exploitation offences. He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court tomorrow – Monday, 13 April, 2026.

Constable Sharon McDermott said: “We remain committed to tackling retail crime, while at the same time safeguarding young people from harm and coercion into criminal behaviour.

“We continue to gather evidence and utilise all resources at our disposal to tackle this type of crime.”

Calders attack: Another two men arrested and charged

Two further men have been arrested and charged in connection with an attempted murder in West Edinburgh.

The incident happened in the Calder Gardens area around 4.10pm on Thursday, 2 April, 2026, when a 38-year-old man was attacked. He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

Two men, aged 32 and 28, have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

They are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 13 April.

Two other men, aged 25 and 21, were previously arrested and charged.

They appeared at the same court on Saturday, 4 April.

Eight youths charged following assault on bus driver

EIGHT youths have now been charged after a bus driver was assaulted at Little France in Edinburgh.


Around 6.50pm on Sunday, 5 April, 2026, Police received a report of a man having been assaulted by a large group on Little France Crescent.

A 53-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment.

Two youths were charged at the time but, following enquiries, a further six individuals have been identified bringing the total to eight. Those involved will be reported to the relevant authorities.

Chief Superintendent David Robertson said: “This was an unprovoked attack on a man who was simply trying to do his job.

“Violent incidents like this will not be tolerated in our community, and we will ensure that those who do engage in this type of behaviour are brought to justice.

“We will continue to work with our partner agencies and would encourage anyone with information or concerns of this type of behaviour to call Police Scotland on 101.”

Calder Gardens attack: Two arrests

Two men have been arrested and charged in connection with an attempted murder in Edinburgh.

The incident happened in the Calder Gardens area around 4.10pm on Thursday, 2 April, 2026, when a 38-year-old man was attacked. He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

The men, aged 25 and 21, are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today, Saturday, 4 April.

Enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

Attempted murder in Calder Gardens: Police appeal for witnesses

POLICE are appealing for information following an attempted murder in the Calder Gardens area.

The incident happened around 4.10pm yesterday (Thursday, 2 April, 2026), when a 38-year-old man was attacked by four men. He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

The suspects are white and aged in their late twenties to early thirties.

The first man is described as of large build, with short dark, balding hair and a beard. He was wearing a black t-shirt, blue tracksuit bottoms and black trainers.

The second is described as of medium build and was wearing a grey hooded jacket with dark shoulder panels, light grey jogging bottoms and chunky, grey trainers with a white sole.

The third is of medium build with short, dark hair, and was wearing a black gilet, a turquoise t-shirt and black trainers.

The fourth man is also of medium build with short, dark hair. He was wearing a black puffer style jacket and grey jogging bottoms with white logos.

Detective Constable Beverley Burnside said: “We are asking anyone who saw what happened, knows the men described, or where they might be to get in touch.

“Please check any private CCTV or dash-cam footage that you have and get in touch if you have captured something that could assist with our enquiries.”

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2301 of Thursday, 2 April, 2026.

Crimestoppers: Illegal cigarettes

Did you know over 1.3 billion illegal cigarettes were seized between April 2023 and March 2024?

Community information helps uncover hidden supply chains, storage sites and those behind the sales.

By sharing what you know with Crimestoppers, you can help protect children, support local businesses and disrupt organised crime. We don’t need to know your name or where you’re from, just what you know about the crime.

Learn more: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/…/illegal-tobacco-fuels…

More arrests over Jewel incident

A further four males have been arrested and charged in connection with assault, possession of weapons and breach of the peace following a disturbance in the Jewel area.

The males, aged 20, 19, 18, and 15, are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

Around 4.20pm on Wednesday, 25 February, 2026, officers were called to a report of males with weapons causing a disturbance. There were no reported injuries.

Two males, aged 18 and 17, were previously arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

Chief Inspector Alison Macdonald said: “I’d like to thank the public for their assistance during our enquiries.

“This type of violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Officers are committed to tackling crime and antisocial behaviour in the local community. Targeted patrols will continue to deter and detect any criminality.

“Anyone with any concerns should speak to local officers or contact us through 101.”

Former council leader convicted of sexual offences

A man has been convicted of sexual offences while he was working as a politician. Jordan Linden, 30, was convicted of ten offences following a trial at Falkirk Sheriff Court of crimes which included sexual assault, stalking, and sexual communication.

The victims were all boys or young men, and the offences took place between 2011 and 2021. The age of the youngest victim was 14.

One of the offences saw Linden sexually assault two victims at a house party in Dundee after a Pride march in 2019.

Linden, who was former leader of North Lanarkshire Council and earlier chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament, was arrested and charged by specialist officers from Police Scotland in February 2024.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Diane Barr said: “This was a protracted investigation which involved speaking with a broad range of people, many of whom regarded Linden as being in a position of trust.

“He abused this position to befriend young males who were seeking his support and the opportunity to learn from his work, however his conduct toward them was far from professional.

“I’d like to thank the victims who came forward to report their experiences to police. Their testimony and support ensured that we were able to bring Linden before the courts.

“No-one should be subjected to sexual offending, and we will always investigate reports, regardless of when they occurred or who the perpetrator is.”

Linden was placed on the sex offenders register and is due to be sentenced in May.