Teenagers jailed for Prestonfield murder

Three teenagers who beat a pensioner to death in Prestonfield have been given live sentences.

Keirin McMillan (20) was sentenced to 18 years in prison with his younger brother, Aron McMillan (17), given 17 years and three months. A third boy, Levi Hunter (16), was sentenced to 17 years.

The brutal attack took place at around 10.40pm on Thursday, 21 February, 2019, following a report of a disturbance at Alasdair McPherson Forsyth’s flat on Clearburn Road in Prestonfield.

On arrival, 67-year-old Alasdair was found with serious injuries to his head and body. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Scottish Ambulance Service.

The three teenagers beat Mr Forsyth in a brutal attack with a hammer, a wrench and a screwdriver.

Detective Inspector Bob Campbell, the senior investigation officer on this case, said: “This attack on Alasdair was an unprovoked and cowardly act and the three individuals responsible have rightly been brought to justice.

“Knowing these teenagers will now spend a substantial period of time in prison is a welcome thought to the local community.

“Hopefully today’s news will give Alasdair’s family and friends closure on what has been a horrific period of time.

“I would like to thank officers and staff along with members of the community, who assisted with this investigation.”

Glue attacks at city centre venues

Police Edinburgh are appealing for information following vandalism attacks on the National Museum of Scotland and the nearby Festival Theatre.

The incidents took place in the Museum last Friday (24 January) and again the following day, while a similar attack has since been reported at the Festival Theatre on Nicholson Street.

In all of the incidents glue was applied to areas of the venues’ toilets.

Inspector Trish Robertson, of the West End Community Policing Team, said: “Thankfully nobody has been seriously injured as a result of these incidents, however these thoughtless acts were extremely irresponsible and could have potentially harmed young children.

“Officers are conducting a thorough investigation and I would urge anyone with any information, of who may have seen something suspicious, to contact Police via 101, quoting incident 2808 of 27 January.”

Morrison Street assault and robbery: Renewed appeal for information

Police are continuing to investigate a serious assault and robbery which took place in the city centre earlier this year.

The incident took place around 3.10pm on Thursday, 2nd January, 2020 within a common close on Morrison Street. A 25-year-old man was assaulted and had his phone stolen.

Officers believe that the males pictured may have information to assist their investigation and anyone who recognises either of them is urged to come forward.

The male (above) in images one and two is white, believed to be about 6′ tall, around 25-years-old and of medium build. He is pictured wearing a full light grey tracksuit, a blue hat and blue trainers.

The male in images three and four is white and believed to be about 5’10″ tall. He is pictured wearing a full grey tracksuit with the hood up and a black gilet over the top.

They were last seen on Gardner’s Crescent heading towards Fountainbridge, Edinburgh.

Police Constable Chris Docherty from Corstorphine CID said: “The victim suffered a serious injury as a result of this attack and was understandably very shaken.

“We are appealing for anyone who can help us locate these men to get in touch with us.”

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting the reference number 1774 of 2 January, or can make an anonymous report through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Woman dies following disturbance at Restalrig flat

Police in Edinburgh have confirmed that a woman has died following a report of a disturbance at a property in the east of the city.

At around 6.50pm on Friday (24 January) officers attended a property in Restalrig Circus. A 79-year-old woman was taken from the property by the Scottish Ambulance Service to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where she died later that night.

The death is being treated as unexplained and inquiries are ongoing.

Police are eager to speak to a man who was near the address at the time and they believe he may be able to assist with their enquiries. 

He is described as white, aged between 20 and 30-years-old, about 5ft 6ins tall with combed back dark hair and a Scottish accent. He was wearing dark clothing with a top which possibly has white sleeves.

Inquiries into the full circumstances of the incident are ongoing.

Chief Inspector David Happs, Local Area Commander said: “Our enquiries into this incident are at an early stage and ongoing. The local community will see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days.

“Our thoughts at this time are with the family and friends of the woman who has died and specialist officers are providing her next of kin with the necessary support.”

Anyone who may have been in the Restalrig Circus area yesterday evening, or who recognises the description of the man police wish to speak to, or who holds any information around this incident, are urged to get in touch with officers as soon as possible.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 3175 of 24 January. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.