Police Scotland has released images of four men they believe may hold information which might assist in relation to a serious assault that occurred on Frederick Street around 3.20am on Friday, 4 September, 2021.
The first man is described as being Asian, 18-30-years-old, medium build, wearing a light pink coloured shirt, blue jeans and white trainers with an item of clothing tied around his waist.
The second man is described as being Asian, 18-30-years-old, tall and thin build, mid length black hair, wearing a grey t-shirt with dark coloured shirt which is open. Grey jeans and dark coloured trainers.
The third man is described as being Asian, 20-30-years-old, medium build, with long black shoulder length hair and facial hair, wearing a grey shirt carrying a grey jacket, tan coloured trousers and black shoes.
The forth man is described as being white, 18-25-years-old, medium build, wearing a short sleeved patterned shirt, jeans and dark coloured trainers with a white sole.
Detective Constable Mark Walker of Gayfield CID said: “I would urge each of these four men, or anyone who has information relating to any of these four men, depicted in the images to make contact with the Police.
“Members of the public can contact Police Scotland via the 101 non-emergency telephone number quoting incident number 0657 of 4 September, 2021 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
One week on from when she was last seen in Portobello, the family of 28-year-old Alice Byrne yesterday issued an appeal urging anyone with information on her whereabouts to come forward.
Alice’s family said: “Alice has been missing for one week now and we are shocked and distressed by her disappearance. She always keeps in contact with us so we are extremely worried because we have not heard from her. We are desperate to know where she is.
“If Alice sees this, we want her to know how much we miss her. We just want her home safe and well.
“We urge anyone who has seen Alice, or who has any information at all that might help police find her to phone officers and pass on any information you have.
“We are very grateful for the support we have received during this upsetting time. We would like to thank everyone who has shared appeals to find her, the police for their professionalism and especially the local community for all the support they’ve given.”
Alice was last seen leaving a friend’s flat in Marlborough Street between 8am and 10am on Saturday, 1 January and from enquiries to date, officers believe that she potentially headed in the direction of the promenade and beach.
She is described as white, around 5ft 6ins in height and of medium build with short black hair. When she was last seen she was wearing a black top, black jeans ripped at the knees and white trainers.
Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal said yesterday: “It has now been one week since Alice was last seen and since then she has not made any contact with family or friends. As time passes we have become increasingly concerned for her wellbeing and safety.
“Since Alice was reported missing, extensive searches and enquiries have been carried out throughout primarily the Portobello area. These searches are ongoing and we continue to be assisted by specialist police resources including air support, police dogs, search officers and our Marine Unit.
“We continue to appeal to anyone who was in the Portobello area at that time who may have dash cam footage to check devices and call if you have any sightings of Alice. We are aware that the beach and Promenade area was busy on New Year’s morning so appeal to anyone to review photos and call if they have any information that may assist in tracing Alice. Officers have been speaking to local people and visiting local businesses in the area in case anyone remembers seeing Alice in the area.
“Naturally Alice’s friends and family are extremely concerned and we just want to trace her as soon as possible to ensure she is safe. Again, I would urge anyone who has seen Alice since Saturday, 1 January, or who has any information that may be relevant to our investigation to contact us as soon as possible.
“If Alice reads this appeal, please phone your family, friends or the police.”
Any information can be passed to police through 101 with reference 0647 of 2 January.
Police Scotland is increasing the number of officers deployed in local policing divisions to support communities during the latest phase of the COVID pandemic.
More than 300 officers from specialist functions throughout Scotland will move to support colleagues in local policing divisions temporarily from Monday, 10 January, 2022.
At the same time, 258 probationary constables currently undergoing training at the Scottish Police College will also be deployed to local policing divisions.
The use of probationers and officers from specialist functions was successful both earlier in the pandemic and during the COP26 climate conference.
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Speirs said “We are working hard to maximise the availability of officers and staff in frontline duties to ensure that we continue to provide a highly effective policing service to our local communities.
“Omicron is having a significant effect on the country and Police Scotland is included in that. The welfare of our officers and staff is paramount and has been throughout the pandemic.
“As a national service we can quickly flex resources and move people to where they are needed and respond to increased demand and high absence levels.
“By deploying these extra resources we can support local policing and keep people safe during this critical time.”
A 37-year-old man was arrested & charged with drugs offences on Monday (03/01/22) after officers on mobile patrol stopped and searched a vehicle on Ferry Road, recovering cannabis valued at £17,000.
The man will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.
Police in Edinburgh are appealing for the assistance of the public in tracing a 28-year-old Alathea Byrne – known as Alice – who is missing from her home in Portobello.
Alice was last seen by her family at her home around 2am on Saturday, 1 January. She met friends in Marlborough Street and left a flat there around 10am on Saturday.
She is described as white, around 5ft 6ins in height and of medium build with short black hair. When she was last seen she was wearing an orange jacket, black top, black jeans and white trainers. She was carrying a black rucksack.
Inspector Keith Scott said: “It is out of character for Alice not to keep in contact with her family and friends. We are becoming increasingly concerned for her wellbeing and we are working to trace her as soon as possible to ensure that she is safe and well.
“Searches and enquiries have been ongoing since she was reported missing, and we are now asking the public for any assistance they can provide.
“I would urge anyone who has seen Alice since Saturday morning, or anyone with information on her whereabouts to contact us as soon as possible.
“I would appeal to Alice herself to contact us if she sees this appeal. Contact 101 quoting reference 0647 of 2 January.”
Four Police Scotland officers have been recognised for their outstanding public service in the New Year Honours List 2022.
Judi Heaton, who recently retired as an Assistant Chief Constable, Chief Superintendent Louise Blakelock, Head of Road Policing and Chief Inspector Marlene Baillie, area commander for Oban, Lorn and the Isles, Mid Argyll and Kintyre and the Islands, will each receive the Queen’s Police Medal (QPM) – the highest honour awarded for policing service.
Graeme Anderson, from Monifieth in Angus – who was the Lead Events Planning Officer for Police Scotland’s Tayside Division – is to be presented with an MBE for services to event planning and law and order in Dundee.
Commenting on the officers being recognised, Police Scotland’s Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM said: “Policing is a demanding and rewarding vocation and I am grateful for the professionalism and public service demonstrated by officers, staff and special constables every day, in every area of Scotland.
“I give my warmest congratulations and thanks to those who have been recognised by Her Majesty the Queen today.”
Judi Heaton said: “This is a wonderful surprise and ending to my policing career. I’ve been privileged to work with some amazing people and I feel very honoured and humbled.”
Chief Superintendent Blakelock said: “I am extremely humbled and honoured to have received this recognition for doing a job that I love.”
Chief Inspector Baillie added: “I am honoured and extremely grateful to the person who nominated me, my teams who deserve special recognition for the amazing work that they do and my family for their continued support.”
Graeme Anderson said: “It’s a huge honour for me to receive an MBE and I’d like to thank all those people I’ve worked with over the years who helped to make events in Tayside safe and successful.
“Special thanks goes to my wife Lynn, who without doubt deserves the award far more than I do.”
Photograph clockwise from top left – Judi Heaton, Graeme Anderson, Marlene Baillie and Louise Blakelock.
We will have dedicated teams of officers deployed on foot across the city centre to prevent disorder and provide reassurance to the public to make sure everyone can enjoy Hogmanay safely.
Superintendent Mark Rennie from St Leonard’s Police Station said: “Although planned events in Scotland’s capital have been cancelled this year as a result of the Coronavirus, we will have a significant police resource available to ensure everyone keeps safe during the night.
“Our officers will be joined by volunteers from Street Assist Edinburgh and other outreach services who will be on hand to offer help and support.
“We will also be supported by The City of Edinburgh Council who will have staff out including taxi marshals, environmental wardens, night time teams and CCTV operators to prevent incidents from escalating and to ensure that everyone gets home safely.
“If you are intending on visiting the city centre please ensure you plan your night, as licensed premises are operating at a significantly reduced capacity, with some operating a booking system.
“It is also important that you have a plan for getting home before you go out, keep your mobile phone charged, look after your valuables and keep an eye on how much alcohol you drink as overindulgence can impact on your behaviour.”
Police Scotland can confirm that a 19-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of a man and a woman in Livingston.
Officers were made aware of the deaths around 11.40pm on Sunday, 26 December, 2021, at a property in Raeburn Rigg, in the town.
The couple can be named as Denis and Mary Fell, both aged 73.
The man is due to appear at Livingston Sheriff Court today (Wednesday 29 December).
DCI Kevin Houliston from Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr and Mrs Fell and everyone affected by this tragic incident.
“A continued presence may be seen in the area as officers continue with their enquiries but this was a contained incident and there was no risk to the wider public.”
Cyclists have priority over cars when cars turning
