Tag: Crime

One year on: did you see Saima Ahmed?

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City police are distributing posters to festival visitors and rail users in an effort to uncover fresh information into the death of a London woman whose body was found on the outskirts of the city earlier this year.

Saima Ahmed was discovered on the afternoon of Saturday, January 9th, off Gogarstone Road. It is believed the 36-year-old had travelled by rail from her home in Wembley to the Scottish Capital a year ago this month.

Detectives from Edinburgh CID are continuing with their investigation regarding Saima’s death and are hoping to gather new information from rail passengers who might have seen or spoken to her.

Police will be distributing posters and leaflets to visitors to the Unofficial Fringe Venue 999 in East Princes Street Gardens until the end of the festival next week. In addition, officers from Police Scotland, assisted by officers from British Transport Police and the Metropolitan Police Service will be handing out posters on Tuesday 30th August in the Wembley area of London, train stations in Hemel Hempsted and Birmingham as well as Waverley station and elsewhere in Edinburgh.

Detective Chief Inspector Martin MacLean, Head of Crime Operations for Edinburgh CID, said: “There are several outstanding lines of enquiry in what has been a painstaking investigation. We still need to establish why Saima came to Scotland and Edinburgh and the circumstances that led to her death.

“The information gathered thus far certainly indicates that Saima left her home on Sunday, August 30th, last year and travelled by train to Edinburgh. Now, almost one year on, Edinburgh is again in the midst of hosting the International Festival and there will be a number of people returning to the city who may remember Saima. It’s my hope that these posters might help jog some memories and we can gain vital information to assist with our investigation.”

He added: “We continue to provide Saima’s family with regular updates and I again thank them for their patience and assistance in helping us keep Saima’s case in the public eye.”

Saima Ahmed’s exact movements as she journeyed to Scotland remain unconfirmed however detectives believe she bought a Birmingham to Edinburgh rail ticket at Birmingham New Street Station at around 5pm on Sunday, August 30th, 2015. 

Thereafter, there is a strong possibility that she boarded one of two Edinburgh bound services scheduled for later the same day:

–  Either the 5:15pm Virgin service due to arrive at Edinburgh Waverley at 10:22pm

This stopped at the following locations: Sandwell & Dudley, Wolverhampton, Crewe, Warrington, Bank Quay, Wigan North Western, Preston, Lancaster. Passengers travelling onto Edinburgh then switched services and boarded the 7:14pm stopping at Oxenholme Lake District, Penrith, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Haymarket and Waverley.

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–  The 5:30pm Virgin Cross Country Network (via York), which was due to arrive at 10:21pm.

This service stopped at: Derby, Sheffield, Doncaster, York, Darlington, Durham, Newcastle and Waverley. Continue reading One year on: did you see Saima Ahmed?

Newsagent seriously injured in Trinity robbery

A man has sustained serious injuries following the attempted robbery of a Trinity newsagents

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Police are appealing for witnesses following a failed robbery involving a significant assault in Trinity. The incident happened around 5.20pm on Friday (12 August) at a newsagents on the corner of South Trinity Road and Cargill Terrace.

Two men entered the store and demanded money, before attacking the shopkeeper and running from the store. The shopkeeper sustained serious injuries and the suspects were last seen running along Cargill Terrace.

The first suspect is described as 20 to 25-years-old, medium build, with a pale complexion and unshaven.

The second suspect is described as 35 to 40-years-old, slim build, pale complexion with gaunt features and unshaven.

Both suspects were wearing dark clothing and dark woollen beanie hats and one was wearing a dark body warmer.

Detective Sergeant Todd Rutherford, of Corstorphine CID, said: “This was a cowardly attack, and the shopkeeper bravely fought off the attackers despite a shocking level of violence and the serious injuries he sustained.

“At the time of the incident, it is likely there would have been pedestrians and drivers in the Cargill Terrace area and we know the suspects were loitering nearby the shop before the incident took place. If anyone has seen these men before, during or after the attack, please contact us.”

Those with any information should contact Police Scotland on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police release pictures of car used in Waterloo Place assault

Seven days on, police appeal for Waterloo Place information

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Police have stepped up investigations a week to the day after a serious knife attack took place in a a busy city centre street in broad daylight. A team of officers were out speaking to members of the public in Waterloo Place yesterday and pictures of a car similar to one used by men who carried out the serious assault have also been released. Continue reading Police release pictures of car used in Waterloo Place assault

Terrorist attack is biggest fear, public tell Police

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The threat of terrorism is the main issue of concern to people across Scotland, according to the first results from Police Scotland’s new online survey, ‘Your View Counts’. Edinburgh citizens highlighted housebreaking and antisocial behaviour as their main concerns. Continue reading Terrorist attack is biggest fear, public tell Police

Police seek man following city centre assault and robbery

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Police have released CCTV images of a man they wish to trace in connection with an assault and robbery of a woman in the city centre. During the incident, a 32-year-old woman sustained injuries to her face and her property was stolen.

The incident took place around 8.20 pm on Tuesday 12 July, on the pass between Rutland Square and Festival Square.

Officers believe that the man shown in the image may be able to assist them with their inquiries and would ask that anyone who recognises him or has other information about the incident to contact police.

Detective Constable Alison Wyllie of Police Scotland’s Violence Reduction Unit based at Edinburgh’s Gayfield police station said: “This was a violent attack that left the victim shaken and we’re conducting inquiries in order to trace the person responsible.” Continue reading Police seek man following city centre assault and robbery

Bogus builder jailed for three years

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An Edinburgh Trading Standards and Police Scotland anti-doorstep crime initiative has resulted in a jail sentence for a bogus workman. Robert Stewart, who defrauded an elderly victim out of almost £150,000, was convicted and jailed for three years at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday.

Last December, Stewart (21) attended at the Preistfield Road home of an 87-year-old man and offered to repair a television antenna. Stewart then advised the homeowner that extensive work was required on the roof, which his company Abbey Building & Roofing could carry out.

The elderly man agreed to the maintenance and between late December 2015 and March 2016 made several online payments to the building company totalling £147, 460.

Staff at the victim’s bank contacted police after becoming suspicious and officers began investigating during which time they arranged for two independent surveys on the Priestfield Road house. It was established that the work carried out was inferior and valued at far less than the fee charged.

Detectives carried out financial inquiries and linked the payments to an account held by Robert Stewart, who was detained and subsequently charged on 14 April this year.

Detective Sergeant Gary Reid said: “Robert Stewart preyed on an elderly man and was able to extort a large sum of money for work that was sub-par and nowhere near the valuation of such repairs.

“After bank staff observed a pattern in the victim’s payments they became suspicious and reported their concerns to police. We then launched a robust investigation alongside the City of Edinburgh Council’s Trading Standards department resulting in Stewart being charged with bogus workmen offences.

“His sentence should send a clear message that we will continue to work closely with our partners to actively pursue those involved in crimes of this nature to bring them to justice.

“I would like to take this opportunity to remind our communities never to allow unsolicited work to be carried out on your home or property and to always use individuals or companies you know or trust.

“In addition, family, friends and neighbours of vulnerable people are asked to be vigilant for any suspicious or unusual activity around their homes and report any concerns they have to police.

“We are committed to tackling bogus workmen and rogue trader crimes and whenever these incidents are reported to us we will investigate thoroughly to bring those responsible to justice.”

Community Safety Leader Councillor Cammy Day said: “This court case should send a warning to those who are involved in this type of criminal behaviour. Doorstep Crime remains one of our top priorities and incidents can be devastating for victims, both financially and in terms of having the confidence to live independently.

“We must ensure that everyone has the confidence to come forward – every complaint is taken seriously. Consumers must be able to trust what they are told by tradesmen, and we advise the public to use Edinburgh’s Trusted Trader scheme if they need any work carried out. You can report incidents or ask for advice by calling 0131 529 3030.”