Appeal to trace vehicle following attempted murder of police officer

Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information to help trace a car involved in the attempted murder of a police motorcyclist two days after it failed to stop for officers at another incident.

The vehicle involved is described as a black Audi A1 (K3 OXK).

Around 4.50pm on Monday, 9 January, 2023, it was flagged down by officers on Ravenswood Avenue in connection with a suspected road traffic offence. As officers tried to engage with the male driver, the car sped from the scene in the direction of Walter Scott Avenue, causing one constable to need to jump to safety.

On Wednesday, 11 January, at around 4.15pm, the same car was seen by motorcycle officers in the Lindsay Road area of the city. On being signalled to stop in the Bathfield area, the driver drove directly at the officers, injuring one in the collision, before heading in the Granton direction.

The driver of the vehicle is described as being a white man, aged 18-22, slim build, with short brown curly hair. At the time of the first incident, there was a passenger described as a white man, of a similar age.

Detective Inspector Gordon Couper, from Corstorphine CID, said: “Violence against our people is not tolerated and we can be incredibly thankful that none of the officers involved in these two incidents were seriously injured as a result of this individual’s unacceptable and dangerous actions.

“We are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. If you witnessed these incidents, were driving in the areas at the times in question, or believe you’ve seen the vehicle involved, please come forward and contact police on 101, quoting incident 1853 of 17 January, 2023.”

Save the Pride Bridge!

CAMPAIGNERS have launched a petition to save the Pride Bridge at Lindsay Road.

Local resident Jodie Schofield said: “I’m really concerned an important community space which connects the Leith and Newhaven will be lost, not to mention the fact the ‘diversion’ has a dug up pavement at a busy junction.

“The Council have condemned it (only recently was used as a parking and heavy storage space for the Trams of Newhaven project) and have built an ugly heavy concrete wall across the Lindsay Road end without any community consultation – if the bridge is so dangerous how can it sustain this weight?

“If the bridge is so dangerous how can it be safe to walk and cycle underneath on the Hawthornvale Path? Why did they leave repairs left undone for so long? it’s a disgrace and nearby residents are very unhappy.”

See below for details of the petition:

The Pride Bridge is a community art project and public space. Painted by a diverse group of local volunteers, it marks the boundary of Leith and welcomes visitors with a rainbow that incorporates the colours of both the Pride and Trans Pride flags. 

As well as being a much loved LGBTQ monument (the first of its kind in the city), the bridge is an important pedestrian and cycle thoroughfare, connecting the residential area to the main road, shops, public transport and schools.

It is also a much valued community social space, where people can meet in the beer garden and children can play in a safe, pedestrianised area which has been thoroughly weeded and litter picked to remove hazards. The bridge is also an important part of Leith’s industrial history. 

The council has earmarked the bridge for demolition due to their failure to maintain it which has led to it becoming structurally unsound. Repairs are possible, and for less than the price of demolition. However, they are currently reluctant to pursue repair as an option, despite support from local Councillors, business owners and the wider community. 

Please sign and share, and show your support for maintaining safe community spaces and preserving the first LGBTQ landmark in the city and certainly the only one that is visible from the plane when you fly into Edinburgh.

Thank you for your support. 

 https://www.change.org/p/save-the-pride-bridge