Tag: Murder

Scotland Street: suspicious death appeal

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Police are appealing for information following the discovery of a body in suspicious circumstances at an address in Scotland Street yesterday.

The incident happened around 5.30am on Friday, when a disturbance was reported to police. Officers attended and the body of a man was discovered. Enquiries are currently ongoing to establish the identity of the victim, but police are treating the death as a homicide pending a post mortem.

Officers are appealing for information and are asking for anyone who was in the area to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Keith Hardie of the Major Investigation Team said:  “We have found a body in suspicious circumstances, which has sustained significant injuries. It is being investigated at the same level as a homicide, although until the result of the post mortem we cannot commit to this.

“With this in mind it is imperative that we trace those involved in this incident as soon as possible.

“I would urge anyone who was in the Scotland Street area on the morning of Friday, December 2, to get in touch with us immediately.”

Another man found in the flat is being treated as a ‘significant witness’ and is helping police with their inquiries.

Two cars parked outside the flat in the New Town have also been taped off. One has a sign in the window asking for donations for someone who is homeless.

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Breakthrough: Corstorphine Hill victim identified

PoliceTapePolice Scotland have confirmed that they have established the identity of the woman whose body was discovered on Corstorphine Hill on 6 June, but will not be in a position to name her until next of kin have been informed.

Detective Chief Inspector Keith Hardie from Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team said:  “Identifying the victim was the first priority of this murder investigation and I would like to thank the public and the media for their help in achieving that aim. While this is positive news, it also means that a loved one has been lost.  We are progressing our inquiries into the circumstances of this woman’s death and to finding those responsible for it.”

 

Corstorphine Hill murder: do you recognise these rings?

Police Scotland detectives investigating the discovery of a woman’s remains on Corstorphine Hill in Edinburgh today released images of four rings belonging to the victim.

Detective Chief Inspector Keith Hardie said: “Responses to previous appeals for information on this woman’s identity have been encouraging. And while we are following up calls and information from all over the UK, we have still to make a real breakthrough in identifying the victim.

“As I have previously said, distinctive rings found with the woman may provide a real clue to her identity. Today we are now in a position to release images of those rings. Two are particularly distinctive – one in the shape of a daisy and one in the shape of a heart. Both are gold and are set with precious stones. I would ask anyone who recognises these rings or, who has seen someone they know wearing rings like these, to add that detail to the other things we know about the woman.”

The woman was believed to have been aged between 32 and 60 and had had extensive cosmetic work, in the form of veneers and implants, carried out on her teeth. She was white, slim, of medium build and about 5 feet 2 inches tall.

All of the rings are old but are not thought to have significant value.

One of the items belonging to the victim is a traditional Irish claddagh ring, which police said is also popular within the travelling community – but police are not drawing any conclusions from this. The heart of the claddagh ring was facing towards the body, which traditionally means the wearer has a partner.

DCI Hardie added: “We are committed to identifying this woman. We have followed up more than 80 calls and, while we are extremely grateful for the information provided, we still await that real gateway call. We are keeping an open mind on this woman’s background and history. But I am determined to uncover the information that will enable us to identify the victim and then identify those responsible for her murder.”

Police Scotland have cast their net far and wide in their attempts to identify the victim – they have contacted Europol and have also discussed the murder with colleagues in Ireland. Ten days on from the discovery of the dismembered body, however, the woman’s identity remains a mystery and police still hope that members of the public may yet be able to assist with the investigation.

Chief Inspector Murray Dykes, of Police Scotland Edinburgh Division, said: “High visibility patrols continue on Corstorphine Hill and the surrounding area and members of the public are encouraged to approach these officers if they have any information they want to bring to our attention.”

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