Man arrested following Banana Flats death

A man has been arrested following a fatal incident in Leith.

Emergency services were called to a disturbance outside Cables Wynd House – the Banana Flats – at around 9.40 last night (Sunday 5 July).

A man was found with serious injuries and he died at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

Police confirmed a 33-year-old man has been arrested and enquiries are ongoing.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 9.40pm on Sunday, July 5, 2026, police received a report of a disturbance outside Cables Wynd House, Edinburgh.

“Officers attended and a man was found with serious injuries. He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, where he died a short time later.

“A 33-year-old man has been arrested and enquiries are ongoing.”

Teenage robber to appear in court

DESPICABLE THEFTS FROM ELDERLY WOMEN

A teenager has been arrested and charged in connection with the robbery of two elderly women in Edinburgh.

Around 2.10pm on Sunday, 14 June, a 93-year-old woman was approached by a man on Stevenson Road and robbed of jewellery.

A second incident happened during the same afternoon in Shandon Place, where a 78-year-old woman was approached, asked for directions, and subsequently robbed of jewellery.

A 17-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with both incidents. He was due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday – Friday, 3 July, 2026.

Detective Constable Lindsay Johnston said: “I would like to thank those members of the public who assisted the victims at the time and for their support during our investigation.

“As a direct result of our public appeal into the Stevenson Road incident, a second complainer came forward to report what happened to them in extremely similar circumstances in the Shandon Place area.

“We remain committed to tackling crimes of dishonesty and bring offenders before the courts.”

Launch of Edinburgh Division City Centre Policing Unit

A new City Centre Policing Unit, supported by funding from the Visitor Levy, has officially launched in Edinburgh.

In January 2025, the City of Edinburgh Council formally agreed to introduce a 5% charge on overnight accommodation within the Capital for those visiting on or after 24 July 2026.

It is anticipated that £50m revenue will be raised each year to sustain and enhance Edinburgh’s reputation as one of the most beautiful and enjoyable destinations in the world.

Following the announcement of the visitor levy’s introduction, Edinburgh Division has been liaising with the Council, and an agreement was reached to fund the City Centre Policing Unit (CCPU).

The new team, which begins duties on Thursday, 2 July, will provide additional police officers dedicated to proactively patrolling the Capital’s city centre thanks to investment from the Council’s Visitor Levy over the next three years, which has been match-funded by Police Scotland.

 The CCPU comprises of an Inspector, three sergeants and 45 constables.

Having an expanded city centre resource will also allow Edinburgh Division to provide an early and effective response to spontaneous challenges, as well as reducing demand on frontline officers from other areas of the city – allowing them to increase their focus on serving other neighbourhoods across the city.

The CCPU will play a pivotal role in supporting planned city-centre events and will work alongside specialist units such as The Retail Crime Taskforce and Scottish Violence Reduction Unit to ensure specific crime-types affecting the city-centre community are affectively addressed.

Cllr Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: The Visitor Levy is already helping to deliver real, tangible benefits for our Capital city ahead of its full introduction on 24 July.

“By working closely with our partners at Police Scotland to support this new policing unit, we’re ensuring that the people who live, work and visit Edinburgh feel safer and better supported – not only in our bustling central streets, but in neighbourhoods across the city by reducing demand on existing officer resources.

“The results of this partnership demonstrate exactly what the levy is designed to do: reinvest in the services and infrastructure that keep our city welcoming, vibrant, and successful.

“We will now see the levy’s first investments making a visible difference on the ground, and there’s much, much more to come in the years to come.

“From investing more in our public spaces, parks, and greenspaces to restoring cultural heritage like the Royal High School and Leith Theatre, our visitor levy projects stand to benefit everyone.”

Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said: “Edinburgh’s city-centre is a unique and vibrant destination for residents, businesses and visitors, and it is absolutely vital that we have appropriate resources in place to ensure it remains a safe place to live, work, and visit.

“Our partners at the City of Edinburgh Council recognised the importance of having a dedicated policing team to serve the specific needs of the city-centre and the Visitor Levy revenue was identified as an ideal opportunity to achieve this.

 “Almost 50 officers will now support policing operations and activity within the city-centre, and I am delighted that our council partners have shared our vision of how the CCPU can provide immense benefits to the city.

“With the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe only a few short weeks away, and the festive celebrations emerging on the horizon, the CCPU will have to hit the ground running. However, I am confident that the team will quickly demonstrate their value to not only the city-centre, but to the Division as a whole.”

Man jailed for attempted rape

A 34-year-old man has been sentenced for the attempted rape of a woman that happened in the Thistle Street North East Lane area in November, 2025.

Olaksandr Dupik was sentenced to four years at the High Court in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 1 July, 2026, having previously pled guilty.

Detective Inspector Stephanie Garnett said: “Dupik’s actions were appalling and he will now have to face the consequences of his behaviour.

“We take all reports of sexual crime extremely seriously and I would encourage anyone who has experienced this kind of abuse to contact us on 101. You will be listened to and supported.”

Two face court following serious assault in Clermiston

Two men, aged 34 and 32, have been arrested and charged in connection with a serious assault on Ardshiel Avenue in Clermiston.

A 32-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment after the incident, which happened around 8am yesterday – Thursday, 25 June, 2026.

The two men are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today – Friday, 26 June.

Detective Inspector Alan Sharp said: “We want to thank the public for their assistance with our investigation.

“Enquiries remain ongoing but we are not seeking to identify anyone else in relation to the incident.”

A 60-year-old man who had been arrested has been released without charge.

Peter Murrell jail sentence: Police Scotland comment

On Tuesday, 23 June, 2026, at the High Court in Edinburgh, Peter Murrell was sentenced to five years and three months in prison.

This follows the 61-year-old’s conviction, on 25 May, 2026, of embezzling funds in excess of £400,000 from the Scottish National Party.

Peter Murrell

Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston had oversight of Police Scotland’s investigation into the embezzlement, Operation Branchform.

ACC Houston said: “Today’s sentencing of Peter Murrell – and a sentence of such duration – is proof that those who flout the law, who break the trust of those around them, and who embezzle vast sums of money will not escape justice, regardless of how high a profile or role they may hold.

“Operation Branchform has been an extremely detailed, complex and intricate enquiry, carried out over a protracted period of time in order to ensure a thorough investigation which fully exposed the extent of this wrongdoing, committed over a sustained period of time.

“Murrell occupied a significant position of privilege and power in public life in Scotland, entrusted to oversee the day-to-day operations of the country’s governing political party. His undeniably deliberate and calculated actions to mislead and steal for his own personal gain has proved his disregard for those who placed their trust in him.

“People came forward and told us of their sense and experiences of things not being right, and they are to be publicly commended – their statements, combined with our investigations, have led to the outcome we see today.

“Through ongoing close work with key criminal justice partners, including the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, this enquiry resulted in the compilation of such a robust case that an early admission of guilt was secured, enabling proceedings to conclude sooner rather than later.

“My sincere thanks go to the officers and staff of Police Scotland, who have committed their specialist knowledge, professionalism, commitment and expertise to this matter from start to finish, and without whom we would not have been able to achieve justice. 

“Work remains to be undertaken in regards to the Proceeds of Crime Act relating to this case by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. Police Scotland, and in particular the Cyber and Fraud Unit, will assist in this process and in any further investigations which may be required.”

Six arrested and charged following Edinburgh incidents

Six people have been arrested and charged in connection with various offences following a series of incidents in Edinburgh.

The first incident took place around 2.40am on Tuesday, 26 May, 2026 when officers were called to a disturbance at a property on Balderston Gardens North in Gilmerton.

Three men aged 29, 33 and 40 and a 40-year-old woman were arrested and charged in connection and released on an undertaking to appear before Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

The second occurred around 4am on Wednesday, 27 May, where a vehicle struck a property before being set on fire on Balderston Gardens North.

Five men aged 19, 29, 29, 33 and 40 and a 40-year-old woman were arrested and charged in connection and released on an undertaking to appear before Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

Officers were called to the third incident around 5.05am on Wednesday, 27 May, where a number of windows were smashed at a property in Niddrie Marischal Drive.

A 29-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection and released on an undertaking to appear before Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

Detective Sergeant Chris Docherty said: “This type of criminal behaviour, which has a direct impact on local people, will not be tolerated.

“We are committed to ensuring people feel safe in their communities and will continue to be proactive in our approach to tackling crime and holding those involved to account.

“Support from the public is essential to this work and I would encourage anyone with information or concerns about criminality in their area to please get in touch with us.”

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

First Minister: Scotland will stand against acts of division and hatred

John Swinney First Minister meets Muslim community members following Edinburgh attacks

The Scottish Government stands in solidarity with Muslim communities across Scotland, First Minister John Swinney has said, as he visited local Mosques in the wake of the recent attacks in Edinburgh.

The First Minister heard directly from victims of the attack at Broomhouse Mosque, before travelling to Annandale Mosque to meet members of the local community and senior Mosque leaders. He was joined on both visits by Superintendent Neil Wilson of Police Scotland’s Edinburgh Division.

Mr Swinney said Scotland stands for inclusivity and compassion, adding: “I unequivocally condemn the heinous attacks in Edinburgh, and my thoughts are firmly with all those who have been affected.

!Let me be absolutely clear, no one in Scotland should fear being targeted because of who they are.

“Any form of hatred, prejudice, intolerance or violence on our streets is completely unacceptable – and perpetrators will be brought to justice.

“The Scottish Government is working closely with Police Scotland and partners to ensure appropriate support is in place to support public safety following the incident in Edinburgh.

“I am particularly mindful of the impact recent events can have on those already feeling vulnerable, and I understand that many people will be feeling anxious.

“I want to give them my complete assurance that my government stands firmly in solidarity with Muslim communities across the country.

“We will do everything we possibly can do to ensure everyone in every community feels safe, protected and included and we will always stand against those who would seek to divide our communities. 

“Acts of hatred and division will not define Scotland, our shared values of respect, inclusion and compassion will. Together, we must continue working together to strengthen trust and understanding in all of our communities.”

City council leader Councillor Jane Meagher said: “I was shocked and outraged to hear about the appalling incidents that took place across the city on Friday. 

“I, and fellow Councillors, stand in solidarity with those affected by what must have been a deeply traumatic experience. My thoughts are with those injured in the attacks and I wish them a quick recovery.

“I want to pay tribute to Police Scotland, including counter terrorism officers, and other emergency services for their quick action.

“I absolutely echo the words of Police Scotland that there is no place for racism or faith-based hate. I condemn all acts of racist violence and disorder – there is simply no place for it in our city.

“Those in our Muslim communities may understandably be feeling worried and concerned. I want to reassure that we will be working closely with Police colleagues and other partners to do all we can to make sure that communities across the city are safe and supported.

“Edinburgh is a proud diverse and welcoming city – strengthened by those from all backgrounds, cultures, faiths and walks of life that live here. Incidents like this remind us of the need to stand together against racism and prejudice.”

Local MP Tracy Gilbert said: “There is no place for hatred or Islamophobia in Edinburgh.

Police: Further update on Friday evenng incidents across Edinburgh

Update following incidents that happened in Edinburgh on Friday 19 June:

We recognise the concerns felt within all communities, including those who experienced and witnessed these horrific attacks, and we understand concerns may be heightened at this time. Policing and communities experience the direct impact and live time reactions to international conflicts, UK incidents and online commentary.

It is important that all communities across Scotland feel supported, protected and able to go about their daily lives without fear of hatred or intimidation.

Community cohesion is a partnership effort. Since Friday, we have engaged with over 90 multi-faith organisations and community leaders in Edinburgh and across Scotland. Local policing officers have visited businesses affected by the incident and will continue to do so. We are carrying out a community impact assessment and will closely monitor the situation to ensure the safety and well-being of all communities, and we are prepared to respond promptly to any emerging issues.

We have also been in touch with the police officers who bravely carried out the arrest on Friday, as well as speaking to other officers to offer any support they need.

A 36-year-old man was arrested and charged, and is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today. While there is no wider threat, it continues to be a live ongoing investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing Scotland, supported by local policing officers in Edinburgh and other specialist national capabilities in Scotland.

The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) has been set up to encourage members of the public to submit information directly to officers.

We would appeal to anyone with information that could assist to upload it using the online form, including those with doorbell or dashcam footage 👉

https://orlo.uk/QQGnL

Anyone impacted by the incident can access free, confidential, emotional and practical support from Victim Support Scotland 👉https://orlo.uk/x0Grk

We would urge everyone to continue to work together and ensure no person or group in Scotland feels marginalised or isolated. We are a police service for every community.

Our message is clear – there is no place for violence, hatred, or intimidation in our communities.

Thank you for your continued support.

Friday evening incidents across Edinburgh: Man charged

A 36-year-old man has been charged in connection with a number of incidents which took place across Edinburgh on Friday (19 June, 2026).

A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal, and the individual will appear at court in due course.