Police appeal following targeted attack in Gilmerton

Detectives are appealing for information following an assault in Edinburgh on Saturday (7 January 2023).

Around 8.35pm, a 36-year-old man was approached by a man, who attempted to strike him with a weapon. The attack took place in Cumnor Crescent.

Extensive enquiries are ongoing to help trace the man responsible.

The suspect is described as white, in his mid to late teens, around 5ft 6in tall and of skinny build. He was wearing a tracksuit, with a black balaclava, black gloves, and possibly a black body warmer.

Following the assault the suspect was seen entering a brown Mitsubishi Outlander which drove off towards Glenvarloch Crescent.

Enquiries have revealed the vehicle was stolen from Brighouse Park Close in the early hours of Saturday, 7 January, 2023.

A brown Mitsubishi Outlander was discovered on fire in Foxglove Close, Edinburgh, at around 12.10am on Monday, 9 January, 2023.

The vehicle is quite distinctive with roof bars and a tow bar at the rear.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who might have information to help trace those responsible.

Detective Inspector Kevin Tait, from Edinburgh CID, said: “Thankfully the man was not injured but it is vital we trace those responsible.

“This appears to have been a targeted attack and we do not believe there was any risk to the wider public.

“A brown Mitsubishi Outlander was discovered on fire in Foxglove Close, Edinburgh, and we believe it may be linked to the incident.

“I would like to hear from anyone who recognises the vehicle and may have information about its movements over the past few days.

“We’re also keen to hear from anyone with potential dashcam footage or private CCTV, as it could prove vital to our enquiries.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident number 3142 of 7 January, 2023.

Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Police update: Six arrests following disorder in Portobello

Chief Inspector Murray Tait, Local Area Commander for North East Edinburgh, said: “Our officers responded to a number of incidents involving youths in the Portobello area over the course of the weekend, including violence and antisocial behaviour.

“As a result of these reports, extensive enquiries have been undertaken and we can confirm that 6 arrests have been made to date. Further enquiries remain ongoing.

“It was unfortunate to see a small minority ruin the good weather for the rest of the community with their actions which have no place in Portobello. I want to make it absolutely clear that those who attend with the intention of causing violence and disorder are not welcome.

“Portobello Beach is a fantastic area, with great local businesses and is enjoyed by many families and young children who come to visit the area.

“I would like to reassure the public that there will be a significant police presence in the area, so we can robustly deal with anyone causing issues in the coming days. If you have any concerns about criminality, please speak to officers, call 101, or call 999 in an emergency.”

Peer mentors initiative to tackle crime culture coming to Edinburgh

  • Former young offenders acting as ‘peer mentors’ to help children escape from a life of serious organised crime
  • Edinburgh, Newcastle and Cardiff identified for roll out following successful project in Glasgow
  • Two thirds of teenagers supported by Glasgow project have significantly improved their offending behaviour
  • Analysis shows a £½m city council saving by ‘diverting’ high risk young people from secure care
  • According to UK Government, organised crime – including money laundering and drug trafficking – bigger threat to UK than terrorism
  • Run by UK charity Action for Children and funded with £4.6m from The National Lottery Community Fund, project will now target ‘high-risk’ 11-18-year-olds across the UK.

A ground-breaking programme diverting young people away from a life of serious organised crime is to be rolled out to a number of cities across the UK.

Action for Children’s Serious Organised Crime Early Intervention service has been running in Glasgow since 2013 and will now be rolled out to Edinburgh, Newcastle and Cardiff, funded by £4.6 million from The National Lottery Community Fund. Continue reading Peer mentors initiative to tackle crime culture coming to Edinburgh