Appeal for information following fatal hit and run on A8 near Newbridge

POLICE are appealing for information following a fatal hit-and-run crash on the A8 Glasgow Road, near Newbridge yesterday (Monday, 7 September, 2026).

Around 9.25am, police received a report of a crash involving a grey Mercedes A250, a black Renault Captur, a grey Skoda Karoq and a grey Hyundai i30.

Emergency services attended, however, the 58-year-old driver of the Hyundai i30 was pronounced dead at the scene.

Four others were taken to hospital for treatment and released.

The two women and a man from the Mercedes left the scene on foot prior to officers arriving.

Extensive enquiries, using specialists resources including air support and the dog unit, were deployed to help trace them and remain ongoing

The road was closed to allow investigation enquiries to be carried out and was re-opened around 7.05pm.

The vehicles were recovered.

Inspector Thomas Mallinson said: “My thoughts are with the family of the person who died at this incredibly difficult time.

“Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this crash, and it is vital we trace the three people who left the area before police arrived.

“I am appealing for anyone who witnessed it or who has information which could assist our investigation to contact us.

“I would also ask anyone who was in the area and may have dash-cam footage to please get in touch if it holds anything which could be relevant.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 0756 of 7 September, 2026.

CCTV appeal following serious assault on Princes Street

POLICE in Edinburgh have released images of two men they believe can assist with their investigation after a 24 year-old man was seriously assaulted on Princes Street around 2.35am on Saturday, 1 August, 2026.

The first man is described as white, 5ft 10in and in his late teens to early 20’s. He had blonde hair and was wearing a white t-shirt with grey jeans.

The second man is described as white, 6ft and in his late teens to early 20’s with short dark-coloured hair and glasses. He was wearing a black top with grey shorts and had a tattoo on the back of his left hand.

Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe of Gayfield CID said: “I would urge the men pictured or anyone who recognises them to contact us.

“This area was extremely busy at the time of the incident and I would ask anyone with information to contact Police Scotland through 101, quoting incident number 0473 of 1 August, 2026. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

Local arrests following drug raids

POLICE have recovered drugs with an estimated street value of over £1.4 million in Edinburgh and Uphall.

On Tuesday, 1 September, 2026, officers executed warrants at addresses in the Leith, Granton and the Uphall areas where cannabis, cocaine and a six-figure sum of cash were seized.

Two men aged 37 and 62 were arrested and charged in connection with this recovery. They are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

A 52-year-old man was arrested and released pending further investigation.

Detective Inspector Gavin Howat said: “This significant recovery highlights our commitment to tackling dangerous and illegal drugs in our communities.

“We are determined to protect the public from this harmful criminality by disrupting the drugs trade and preventing them being circulated on the streets of Scotland.

“This operation underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.

“Information from the public is crucial. Anyone with information or concerns about drugs should contact Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Arrest following Leith incidents

A suspect has been traced, arrested, cautioned and charged following incidents at Tesco Express, Leith and Bonnington Road on Wednesday (2nd September). The suspect was in possession of a knife when traced.

You can report a crime or incident involving a knife or weapon to us. Always dial 999 and ask for police if someone is in immediate danger or an incident is happening right now. To report a non-emergency or past incidents, you can call Police Scotland on 101.

If you are an adult, you can also report anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If you are a young person, you can report anonymously to Fearless, the youth service for Crimestoppers, at https://orlo.uk/qj2zJ

#SaferCommunitiesEdinburgh

Knife Angel arrives in Leith

MUM LISA MARKS FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF SON JOHN’S MURDER

The Knife Angel arrived in Edinburgh yesterday and will be on display at Kirkgate, at the bottom of Leith Walk, until Sunday 27 September.

Created by artist Alfie Bradley and the British Ironworks Centre, the Knife Angel is made from around 100,000 knives and blades surrendered through police forces across the country.

The sculpture stands as a powerful reminder of the impact violence can have on individuals, families and communities, while acting as a catalyst for social change.

An opening ceremony marked the official launch, with Council Leader Jane Meagher, Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, and community representatives including Lisa Petrie in attendance.

Lisa’s son John was killed in a knife attack in Leith one year ago today. She said on social media: “A whole year since my son was murdered 💔 and I still don’t know how that can be true.

‘Some days it feels like it was only yesterday. I can still feel the shock, the disbelief, the moment my whole world changed forever.

‘And then there are days when it feels like you’ve been gone for far too long. Too long since I’ve heard your voice, seen your face, hugged you, called you my son, heard you shout “ mumzie or “mother!! “

‘I hate that a year has passed without you. I hate that the world has carried on when mine stopped the day you were taken from me.

‘You weren’t meant to leave. You weren’t meant to be a memory. You were meant to be here.

‘I miss you every single day. I’m angry. I’m broken. I’m still trying to understand how I’m supposed to live with the fact that someone chose to take your life.

‘A year without you, my boy.

‘And I still want you back.

‘I always will. 💔🕊️.

My heart aches for you every day darling💔

#SaferCommunitiesEdinburgh

Police Scotland Edinburgh

Images released as police investigate serious assault at The Pitt

POLICE have released CCTV images of a woman they wish to speak to as part of an ongoing investigation into a serious assault which occurred within The Pitt, West Shore Road, at around 1am on Saturday, 27 June, 2026.

The female pictured is between 25-35 years old, white, with long blonde hair, tattooed arms and legs. She was wearing a white vest top, dark coloured shorts, white trainers and white socks pulled up.

Detective Constable Lindsay Johnston said: “Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2259 of 26 June, 2026. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.” 

Community Moment of Remembrance

FRIDAY 25th SEPTEMBER 6 – 7.30pm at NEWKIRKGATE

On 25th September, I would like to invite anyone who has been affected by knife crime to come along to the Knife Angel (writes LISA PETRIE).

This will be an opportunity for us to come together, remember those we have lost, and show our support for those who have been injured or affected by knife crime.

If you have lost someone to knife crime, been injured yourself, or know someone whose life has been impacted, please feel welcome to join us.

I would also encourage you to bring a photograph of your loved one, yourself, or someone affected, if you feel comfortable doing so. We will also be lighting candles in remembrance and to honour those whose lives have been changed forever.

Everyone affected by knife crime is welcome.

Let’s come together as a community, remember those we have lost, support those who are still with us, and stand united against knife crime.

The Knife Angel will take centre stage at the Kirkgate at the bottom of Leith Walk in Edinburgh from September 1st to September 30th 2026.

Edinburgh Council, Police Scotland, Places for People Scotland and other partners will be working with schools, businesses and communities to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying knives and the impact of violence.

Tomorrow: Bike Marking event at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

Reminder: Bike Marking Event – This Friday

Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

11:00 – 14:00 No appointment required. Just turn up with your bike!

🚲

We hope to see you there!

Local MSP calls for urgent action to tackle youth knife crime in schools

ALMOST FIFTY KNIFE INCIDENTS IN EDINBURGH SCHOOLS IN FIVE YEARS

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh Northern Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP has today urged the SNP government to step up efforts to tackle youth knife crime as she revealed that there have been almost 50 such crimes in Edinburgh schools since 2021.

New figures uncovered by the party show that since 2021 there have been:

  • 37 crimes of possession of an article with a blade or point in Edinburgh schools.  
  • 10 crimes of these articles being used in some other kind of criminal activity in Edinburgh schools.

Scottish Liberal Democrats previously revealed that the police have recorded almost 700 crimes of possessing an article with a blade or point in schools across Scotland over the last five years.

Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP said: “Each one of these crimes will have been hugely distressing for the staff and pupils involved.

“These figures do not sit in isolation, and we need to understand the part played by events like the pandemic, which had a severe and longer-lasting impact on young people.

“That impact hasn’t been helped by the Scottish Government’s failure to recognise the importance of interventions like youth work.

“Youth work can stop this kind of violence from happening in the first place by offering young people valuable support and guidance, often from someone who is neither a parent nor a teacher.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats will fight for a proper investment in youth work so that we can give young people the choices and the futures they deserve.”

Woman jailed for six years for attempted murder of child

A 35-year-old woman from Glenrothes has been sentenced to an order of lifelong restriction and jailed for a minimum of six years for the attempted murder of a child.

Laura Docherty repeatedly administered medication to a child, none of which had been prescribed for them and were not suitable for children. As a result, the child suffered bouts of sickness and was hospitalised on a number of occasions.

These offences occurred over a period of a year from 2022 to 2023.

Concerns were raised by medical staff in February 2023 and an investigation was launched. In May 2023, officers arrested and charged Laura Docherty in connection with attempted murder.

She was found guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh in December, 2025, and sentenced to an order of lifelong restriction with a minimum of six years in prison at the same court today – Monday, 17 August, 2026.

Detective Constable Gemma Warriner said: “This was prolonged and abhorrent abuse of a young child which resulted in numerous stays in hospital. Throughout the investigation, Docherty took no responsibility for her actions and repeatedly blamed others.

“Cases where children are subjected to harm can often be difficult to deal with, however, we are committed to investigating such incidents fully and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.

“I hope today’s sentence brings some comfort to the family.”

If anyone has concerns about the safety or welfare of a child, please contact Police Scotland on 101 or partner agencies. Reporting concerns can help us protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.