Lochend Park attempted murderer jailed

A 22-year-old man has been jailed for five years and ten months following an attempted murder in Edinburgh.

Christopher Pearson was sentenced at the High Court in Dundee on Tuesday, 2 July after he pled guilty on Tuesday, 4 June 2024.

Pearson tried to murder a 22-year-old man within Lochend Park on Sunday, 2 April, 2023 after deliberately driving a car at him. The car was later found burnt out the same night in Maplewood Park.

Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe said: “This was a targeted attack on the victim, which could have killed him. “Pearson will now face the consequences of his shocking actions.

“This was a lengthy investigation, and I would like to thank all officers involved for their dedication and commitment throughout. I would like to thank those members of the public who assisted with our enquiries.”

Appeal for information following hit and run in Lochend

Police are appealing for information following a hit and run involving a car and a pedestrian.

A man was waking within Lochend Park, around 8.15pm on Sunday, 2 April, 2023, when he was struck by a black Audi.

Emergency services attended and the 21-year-old man was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment. The car left the scene prior to police arrival.

Around 8.45pm on Sunday, 2 April, 2023 a black Audi was found on Maplewood Park, with an attempt made to set it alight.

There were no reports of any injuries and the vehicle was uplifted.

Officers believe this vehicle may be linked to the earlier incident.

Acting Detective Inspector Steven Gray from Gayfield CID said: “Our enquiries into both these incidents, which we believe are linked, are ongoing.

“We are appealing for anyone who witnessed the initial crash or a vehicle leaving the scene, who has not already spoken to us to get in touch.

“I would also appeal to anyone with any information on the car in Maplewood Park or who has dash cam footage which may assist us to get in touch.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident 3398 of 2 April, 2023. Alternatively, information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.