Tag: Police Scotland

FOUR CHARGED: Witness appeal following assaults on girls in the Meadows

INCIDENT UPDATE 23.03.21

Police Scotland can confirm that four teenage girls have been charged in connection with an assault against three other girls in the Meadows.

The incident happened around 7pm on Sunday, 20 March. All four youths aged, 13, 16, 16 and 17- years-old, will be reported through the appropriate youth justice process.

We would like to thank everyone who helped up with our enquiries into this incident.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Police are appealing for witness following an assault and robbery of three girls in the Meadows.

The incident happened around 7pm on Saturday (20 March).

Two teenage girls, aged 13 and 14-years-old, were approached by a group of youths who assaulted and robbed them. An unknown member of the public intervened and took both girls away from the group.

A short time later a 16-year-old girl, known to the other girls, arrived and the group approached them again, assaulting the 16-year-old by dragging her to the ground and also robbing her. Again, unknown members of the public intervened, and the girls were taken safely away.

All three girls suffered injuries to their faces which required medical attention.

Detective Inspector Kevin Tait of Corstorphine CID said: “This was despicable behaviour which has left three young girls injured and shaken and it will not be tolerated.

“Enquiries are ongoing and we are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and would urge anyone who may have been there and saw what happened to contact us as soon as possible.

“We are especially keen to speak to the various unknown adults who intervened to help the girls and I would ask that if that was you that you give us a call.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting incident number 3698 of 20 March, or alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be passed on anonymously.

Stolen Covid vial: Man Charged

UPDATE: TUESDAY 23rd MARCH

Officers investigating the theft of a vial of Covid-19 vaccine in Edinburgh have charged a 41-year-old man.A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Police want to thank you for your assistance with our appeal for information on this investigation.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Police are investigating the theft of a vial of Covid-19 vaccine from the EICC Vaccination Centre in Edinburgh.

Chief Inspector Neil Wilson of Edinburgh City Division said: “We were made aware of an isolated incident of theft of a COVID-19 vaccine from the vaccination centre at Morrison Street in Edinburgh around 11.50am on Saturday, 20 March.

“The theft involved a single multi-dose vial of vaccine.

“A police investigation is ongoing, and officers are working closely with NHS Lothian and following a positive line of enquiry.

“Members of the public are reminded to remain vigilant to fraudulent offers of vaccine, which pose a risk to public health.

Vaccines should only be administered by healthcare professionals as part of the national NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme.

“If you are offered a vaccine outwith this setting you should decline and inform police immediately via 101”

Bus attacks: 15 year old charged

Officers across Edinburgh have been working closely with Lothian Buses to help tackle antisocial behaviour within the city.

During Monday evening (15 March), a number of buses and a taxi were damaged in the south east of the city through reckless behaviour after stones were thrown at them.

Police have confirmed that a 15-year-old boy has been charged and will be reported to the youth assessor in connection with these incidents. The investigation into the activity remains ongoing.

Chief Inspector Sarah Taylor Local Area Commander for North West Edinburgh said: “We will continue our efforts to keep our communities, Lothian Buses staff and all motorists safe, through a proactive and coordinated approach, alongside working closely with our partners.

“Officers continue to investigate these completely unacceptable and senseless incidents to ensure that offenders are held accountable for their actions.

“I reiterate our request for the support of parents, guardians and the wider public in tackling this behaviour. If you see this behaviour, or congregations at bus stops causing a disturbance, please contact police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.”

Lothian withdrew bus services from 7.30 last night in response to the series of attacks. They will announce further plans later today.

LOTHIAN BUSES OFF FROM 7.30pm TONIGHT

Lothian Buses has announced its intention to withdraw ALL services from 19.30hrs tonight (17 March) following months of incidents of antisocial behaviour. This will include all services operating on Lothian Buses, Lothian Country and East Coast Buses.

The company has announced that all journeys across Edinburgh which are due to depart terminal points after 19.30hrs will not operate tonight.  This applies to evening services only – NightBus services are expected to operate as normal.

Lothian has said that services are expected to return as scheduled on Thursday 18 March but will be kept under review with services diverted away from any area targeted by further attacks until it’s safe to return.

Sarah Boyd Lothian’s Operations Director said: “It is with pride that Lothian serves at the heart of our local communities and after the challenges of the last year it’s frankly appalling that the actions of a few can directly impact on so many. However, driver and customer safety is our absolute priority and so it is with deep regret that we have to take this action.

“We understand that we provide a critical service for key workers and those for whom travel is essential and we can only apologise to these customers who we know will be inconvenienced by this decision.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Police Scotland for all their efforts in helping us to maintain service this far.  I would also like to thank our customers and all of our colleagues for their continued support and patience.

“We would urge anyone with any information relating to these incidents to come forward to ensure those responsible are held accountable for their actions.”

Lyn Turner, Unite Regional Industrial Officer said: “Our members have the right to work without fear and we stand by Lothian’s decision to withdraw services from areas in which they cannot operate safely. The safety of our members is paramount.

“We would urge communities to come together and provide information on those responsible for these dangerous acts of criminal behaviour which are putting the safety of our members and that of the public at serious risk.”

City council Transport Convener, Lesley Macinnes, said: “Like everyone who’s seen coverage of the horrendous attacks on our bus services in recent days I’ve been utterly appalled by the reckless and intimidating behaviour of those behind the assaults. Enough is enough, it has to stop.

“I’m completely behind Lothian’s decision to withdraw bus services tonight as a clear message that this criminal targeting of a vital public service will not be tolerated. Anyone out there who thinks they know someone who’s involved in this despicable campaign of antisocial behaviour needs to do the right thing and report it to Police right away.”

All customers are urged to plan their journeys in advance through Lothian’s app (www.tfe.com) or website journey planner (www.lothianbuses.co.uk)

If you have any information about these incidents of antisocial behaviour, please contact the police on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Beat Hunger campaign launched

Police Scotland, in partnership with Edinburgh North East Foodbank and Edinburgh Community Foods have launched the ‘Beat Hunger’ Campaign.

The North East of Edinburgh contains some of the highest levels of poverty in Scotland and this campaign is aimed at tackling food inequality and poverty funded by Police Scotland’s Local Partnership and Initiative Fund.

Local Community Sergeant Elaine McArthur-Kerr of Leith Police Station said: “As an organisation and as employees, we have a responsibility to improve the lives and futures of our community, particularly our children.

“This campaign will initially be open to identified groups within the foodbank community and thereafter extended to the wider community through referrals nominated by our partners.

“Recipients will be supplied with free additional support in the appropriately titled ‘Beat Box’, which will include a community cook book with recipes by Michelin Star Chef Martin Wishart.

“This book contains simple nutritious meals, which can be cooked using the most basic cooking facilities and includes step by step instructions and tips on food management. The recipes cater for those with no cookery skills and will provide an at home activity for families.

“Each week there will be fresh ingredients, supplied by Capital Wholesalers and the utensils required to cook a meal from the book. For example, this week launches with a butternut squash soup and following weeks will include main meals and a pudding.

“Information on family, financial and mental health support literature will also be included.

“Promoting wellbeing is key to ensuring the health and safety of our community and this is a fantastic opportunity to support some of the most vulnerable during unprecedented times and encourage positive lifestyle choices.

“Working together with partners, we can improve the quality of life for the people we serve.”

Another serious assault in Wester Drylaw Drive

Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a man was found seriously injured on Wester Drylaw Drive last night (Friday, 12 March).

Members of the public found a man lying injured on the road at around 7.15pm.

Emergency services attended and a 33-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment to serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Detective Inspector Alison MacDonald, of Edinburgh CID, said: “Detectives are currently carrying out enquiries in Wester Drylaw Drive and the surrounding area in order to establish exactly what has happened.

“I am appealing to anyone who was on Wester Drylaw Drive yesterday evening and witnessed what happened to the victim, or anything at all suspicious, to please get in touch.

“I would also urge any motorists with dash-cams who were in the area to check their footage in case they have captured anything which could be of significance to our investigation.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1498 of 13 March. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where details can be given anonymously.”

Police are still seeking information following an attack on a man in Wester Drylaw Drive which took place on Tuesday afternoon.

Police are also delivering letters to houses in Clermiston following a series of incidents over recent weeks.

On The Buses: Operation Proust continues this weekend

Operation Proust will continue this weekend, with officers on patrol in different areas of Edinburgh to tackle antisocial behaviour on and around bus services.

There have been a number of incidents involving youths across the city over recent weeks, which have resulted in the disruption and even temporary termination of services.

The focus will be on ensuring services are able to run smoothly as well as deterring further incidents of antisocial behaviour and criminality.

Chief Inspector Sarah Taylor said: “Bus drivers have and continue to provide an essential service to the public during this pandemic, including transport to and from hospitals. It is disgraceful that those who have continued to support our communities have been targeted in this way.

“Officers will be out in the community providing reassurance to the drivers and members of the public. Anyone caught engaging in antisocial behaviour or violence will be dealt with robustly.

“Extensive enquiries are ongoing to trace the individuals involved in the recent incidents and I would appeal to anyone with information to contact Police Scotland through 101. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Assault in Montgomery Street: Do you know these men?

Police have released a CCTV image of two men they wish to speak to as they may have information which could assist with ongoing enquiries into an assault that occurred around 1.30pm on Monday 2 September, 2020 on Montgomery Street.

One of the men is described as being white and in his late 20s to early 30s. He has short dark hair, stubble and was wearing black casual clothing.

The second man is white, in his mid-20s, 6ft to 6ft 4in tall and of slim build with fair hair. He was wearing a grey jumper, dark bottoms and black body warmer jacket.

Detective Constable Philip Wright of Gayfield CID said: ” As part of the investigation, we are eager to identify the two men in the CCTV footage and would urge them, or anyone who recognises them, to get in touch with us immediately.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1528 of the 2nd September 2020, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.