police appeal – Page 2 – The NEN

Police renew appeal for help to trace Khasha Smith

POLICE are continuing enquiries to locate Khasha Smith, 35, who is missing from the Calder area of Edinburgh.

Extensive enquiries are ongoing and police we have established that the last known confirmed sighting of Khasha was Tuesday, 10 October, 2023.

Her family is extremely concerned for her and are today appealing to the public for any information which could help trace Khasha.

Khasha’s mum Nicola Neil said: “Khasha, we love you so much and just need to know you are safe. We need you home with us. If anyone, anywhere, knows where Khasha is – please tell us. Please don’t let us go on like this.

“Khasha is a brilliant mum to her three children and is loved by all our very close family. We are all sick with worry. Khasha is my friend as well as my daughter and we are living a nightmare.

“It’s hard to find the words to explain the “not knowing” where she is and if anything has happened to her. These past few weeks have been horrendous and painful for us all. I would ask anyone out there – even if we don’t know you – please come forward if you know anything at all.

“Please help us bring Khasha home. This waiting is unbearable. I’m begging you from the bottom of my heart – please get in touch. I miss her so much and we need to find her.”

Khasha’s daughter Calley Smith said: “I recently had my 18th birthday and didn’t hear anything from my mum. She would never miss my birthday, my sisters’ birthdays, or Christmas.

“It’s just not her. We miss her so much. We want nothing more than my mum to walk through the door and to be able to give her a massive hug. It feels like I’m living the worst dream I could ever imagine.

“I can’t express what it would mean to have my mum home. Even the smallest piece of information might be all we need to find her.

“So I’m asking anyone with any information – please come forward and help the police bring my mum home for me, my sisters and the rest of the family.”

Khasha is around 5ft tall, with a slim build. She has blue eyes and long, blonde hair. She also has tattoos, one which is visible on her right wrist and says ‘Forever’.

She is known to visit the Gorgie, Broomhouse and Wester Hailes areas.

Khasha always maintains contact with her family. However, none of her relatives or her friends have seen, or heard from her, and this is very distressing for them.

Specialist officers are supporting and keeping in close contact with Khasha’s family.

A number of national resources have been used in the search for Khasha including the dog branch, underwater unit and specialist search officers.

Enquiries are ongoing and officers are again appealing for anyone with any information to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Bob Williamson said: “Khasha’s family are understandably extremely worried about her.

“We have a dedicated team of officers who are working around the clock to find her and get answers for her family.

“While we are keeping an open mind, and continue to hope Khasha will be found safe and well, we have to consider the possibility that she may have to come to harm. We must consider all possibilities.

“Our enquiries are ongoing and a key focus of our investigation is continuing to build up a picture of Khasha’s life in the months prior to her disappearance.

“We are keen to speak to any of Khasha’s friends who may have information about her whereabouts before the last known confirmed sighting of her on Tuesday, 10 October, 2023.

Police have also set up an online portal to encourage members of the public to submit information, including any recorded footage.

The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) is a website that gives the public access to a form so they can send information directly to the major investigation team.

“It is absolutely vital that we find Khasha and I would again ask anyone with information – no matter how small or insignificant it may seem – to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3915 of 5 January, 2024.”

The MIPP can be accessed here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT24S01-PO1

Police: Have you seen Khasha?

POLICE are appealing for help from the public to trace a 35-year-old woman from Edinburgh.

Khasha Smith was reported missing on Friday, 5 January, 2024, from the Calder area of the city after concerns were raised by her family, who have not heard from her since Saturday, 4 November, 2023.

She is described as around 5ft tall, of a slim build, with long, blonde hair and blue eyes. She also has some tattoos, one of which is visible on her right wrist and says ‘forever’.

Inspector Paul Thomson said: “We are growing concerned for Khasha’s welfare due to the lack of contact with family and are appealing for help to find her.

“We are not sure at this time what Khasha is wearing, but know she likes to frequent the Gorgie area of the city and may be staying with friends there.

“We are asking anyone who may have seen her, or has information on where she might be, to please get in touch. If Khasha herself sees this appeal, I would ask her to please make contact so we know she is safe and well.”

Anyone with any information can contact officers via 101, quoting reference 3915 of 5 January, 2024.

HOGMANAY MURDER IN GRANTON

Detectives are treating the death of a man as murder following a firearms incident which occurred in the Granton area last night (Sunday, 31 December).

Around 11.50pm police were called to reports of two men being seriously injured after a firearm was discharged in Granton Crescent.

Emergency services attended and the two men were taken to hospital.

A 38-year-old man was pronounced dead a short time later and a 39-year-old man remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Road closures remain in place on Granton Road and Granton Crescent while police enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances.

Detective Superintendent Graham Grant said: “This is believed to have been a targeted incident and our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of both men involved.

“Enquiries are at a very early stage to establish the full circumstances surrounding what happened, and while officers have already gathered CCTV and spoken to various people who were in the area at the time, I’d urge anyone with information who hasn’t yet spoken to us to come forward.

“In particular if anyone has private CCTV, doorbell footage or dashcam of the Granton Crescent/Road area around the time of the incident, please bring it to our attention.

“This incident will undoubtedly have caused concern in the local community and officers will be carrying out extra patrols of the area and I’d like to reassure the public that everything possible is being done to trace whoever is responsible.”

The murdered man has been named locally as Marc Webley.

Anyone with information is urged to call 101 quoting reference 3819 of 31 December. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Witness appeal following Bruntsfield incident

Detectives are appealing for information following a disturbance on Alvanley Terrace in Bruntsfield.

Around 5.20pm on Saturday, 2 December, 2023 police were called to reports of an assault where a woman was threatened and pushed into her vehicle by a man.

The car, a black coloured Hyundai ix35, was parked on Alvanley Terrace, adjacent to Bruntsfield Links.

The man was startled by a witness and was seen to leave in the direction of Bruntsfield Place, where it is believed he got into a silver Peugeot and left in the direction of Morningside.

The man is described as white, late 30s, of average build, with dark brown hair which is long on the top and short at the back and sides. He has a sleeve tattoo and was wearing a light grey hooded top, blue jeans and white trainers.

Detective Inspector Mhairi Cooper, from Edinburgh Division CID, said: “Although the woman wasn’t physically injured, she has been left shaken by the incident.

“Whilst there is no risk to the wider public, we are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or observed the suspect in the surrounding areas before or after the incident mentioned, to please get in touch.

“We would also urge any motorists with dash-cams who were nearby to check their footage in case they have captured anything which could be of significance to our enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2768 of 2 December. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police appeal following theft of oil painting

LORD NELSON PORTRAIT STOLEN IN NEWCRAIGHALL

POLICE are appealing for information after a large oil painting was taken from outside a property in the Quarry Cottages area of Newcraighall.

The incident happened between 1pm and 5pm on Saturday, 30 September, 2023.

The painting is a portrait of Lord Nelson in a gold frame and measures 1.4 metres by 1.4 metres. It is worth a five-figure sum.

Police Constable Richard Bradley said: “This is a large painting that was placed outside as work was being done within a property and the owner wanted to protect it from damage.

“We are asking anyone who saw anything suspicious or who has seen the painting or knows where it is to get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3572 of Saturday, 30 September, 2023, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Concern grows over missing man

UPDATE: Around 2.55pm on Wednesday, 11 October, 2023, the body of a man was discovered next to an industrial estate in Newhailes Road, Musselburgh.

Formal identification is still to take place, however the next of kin of missing man Martin Sinnett, 70, has been informed.

Police officers were in Musselburgh yesterday to stop and speak to motorists two weeks on from when missing man Martin Sinnett, 70, was last seen.

The last confirmed sighting of Martin was around 9.20am on Tuesday, 26 September, in Newhailes Road, Musselburgh, where he was seen walking south away from the Shell petrol station at the junction with Edinburgh Road.

Shortly before this sighting, he was seen around 8.45am on North High Street.

Martin is believed to have walked to the Musselburgh area from Edinburgh, having been sighted outside a motorbike training centre in Seafield Road around 6.45am.

Inspector Colin Fordyce said yesterday: “We are becoming increasingly concerned for Martin’s welfare, particularly given his age and the length of time he has now been missing.

“Officers will be stopping motorists this morning, exactly two weeks on from when Martin was last seen, in a bid to glean any information which could lead to tracing him.

“We are looking to speak to people who take this route through Musselburgh regularly and asking them to cast their minds back to the morning of Tuesday, 26 September, to consider whether they may have seen Martin in the area or have dash-cam footage.

“We would also urge people to continue to check any outbuildings and garden sheds in case Martin has sought shelter somewhere.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0708 of 26 September.

Craigmillar Park incident: Police urge Good Samaritan to come forward

POLICE are appealing for a man who took an injured man to hospital in Edinburgh on Saturday (19 August 2023), to contact them.

Around 6.20 pm, a 17-year-old seriously injured youth was assisted to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh by the man who left before any details were taken by staff.

The man is described as white, in his 50s, had receding hair and was wearing glasses, a blue Adidas top and was carrying a rucksack.

Detective Sergeant Keith Morrison said: “At this time, we don’t know how the young man sustained his injuries, so it is imperative that we trace the man who took him to hospital so we can find out what he knows.

“From our enquiries, the injured man was at an event in Craigmillar Park the previous evening and had become separated from his friends. They were unable to get a hold of him, and it was only when he was admitted to hospital that his family were made aware of where he was.

“If you are the man described, or have any information that may assist our investigation, please call officers at Gayfield CID via 101, quoting incident number 2960 of Saturday, 19 August 2023. Alternatively, details can be given in confidence on 0800 555 111.

Greenside Place assault: police release CCTV images

Police Scotland have released images of a man they believe may be able to assist them with their enquiries into an assault which occurred on Greenside Place in Edinburgh at around 10pm on Sunday 27 November 2022.

The man is described as white, approximately 30-40 years old, clean shaven, short brown hair and of a medium build. He was wearing a dark jacket, white shirt and a dark jumper.

Constable Justin Lipinski said: “We are eager to talk to the male in these images and would ask him or anyone who may recognise him to get in touch as soon as possible”.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3603 of 27 November 2022, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be passed anonymously.”

Appeal to help trace missing man

HAVE YOU SEEN DAVID CALVERT?

POLICE in Edinburgh are appealing for information to help trace David Calvert who has been reported missing. The 41-year-old was last seen in the Carrick Knowe area at around 1.55pm yesterday (Sunday, 21 May, 2023).

David is described as being around 5ft 11in in height, of muscular build, with short brown hair and blue eyes. He has a number of distinctive tattoos on his neck, arms and hands.

When last seen he was wearing a back Nike Teck tracksuit, grey/blue Nike Air 95 trainers and was carrying a small black North Face bag.

Inspector Graeme Dignan said: “Our enquiries are ongoing to trace David and I am appealing for anyone who has seen David or who has any information on his whereabouts to contact us.

“I would also appeal to David himself to get in touch with local officers.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 1891 of 21 May, 2023.

Have you seen Martin?

Missing person – Martin Moran, Balerno

POLICE are appealing for the help of the public to trace a 26-year-old man reported missing from Balerno.

Martin Moran was last seen around 6am on Friday, 18 November, near Larch Grove House in Balerno and it is believed he has walked in the direction of Bridge Road, Balerno.

He is described as white, around 6ft, of slim build, with short fair hair. When last seen he was wearing a beige trench coat, black trousers, black shoes and a black hat.

Sergeant Gary Stout said: “Martin’s family are growing increasingly concerned for his welfare and I am asking anyone who may have seen him or knows where he is to get in touch.

“If you can help please call us on 101, quoting reference number 1479 of Friday, 18 November, 2022.”