Police have released images of a man they believe may have information that will assist their investigation into an assault, which occurred on George Street around 3am on Wednesday, 1 December.
The man is described as white, around 5’8” in height and of slim build with short dark hair.He was wearing a dark baseball cap, grey shirt, white-t-shirt, dark trousers and white trainers.
Anyone who recognises the man, or who has any information about this incident, is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting reference 0256 of 1 December 2021.
Crimestoppers can also be passed information anonymously on 0800 555 111.
More than 7,500 people have been told of a partner’s abusive past since the launch of a scheme six years ago to help tackle domestic abuse.
Police Scotland’s Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse in Scotland (DSDAS) was launched in October 2015 following a successful trial in Ayrshire and Aberdeen, and since then has received over 13,000 requests to ask about the background of a partner.
Of the 13,334 requests received, 7,530 people (56 per cent) were told that their current partner has a violent or abusive past.
Detective Chief Superintendent Sam Faulds, Head of Public Protection, said: “Behind the numbers are people who have either escaped becoming victims of domestic abuse, or who are now aware of their partner’s abusive past.
“Abusers manipulate and control their victims. Abuse can be gradual and it can be very difficult for victims of domestic abuse to recognise their situation and to then take action to get themselves out of it.
“DSDAS provides that first step. It can help prevent domestic abuse and the long term damage it can cause victims, their families and their children.
“People told about a partner’s past have the right to choose the course of action they wish to take, and practical support and advice is available from our partners.
“The scheme exists not just for those who may be at risk but for their friends or families to use too.
“Each year reports of domestic abuse increase over the festive period. This year we are acutely aware of the impact of the pandemic on victims locked in with the person responsible for their abuse.
“So this festive season we are appealing to friends, family, colleagues and neighbours or anyone who sees something to call it out if they are concerned that someone may be a victim of domestic abuse. Get in touch with us and we will make sure that person is ok and we will investigate the circumstances.
“All it takes is one person to alert us and we can help end the threat and harm caused by domestic abuse.”
Dr. Marsha Scott, Chief Executive of Scottish Women’s Aid said: “Survivors of domestic abuse face so many barriers to seeking support, and for loved ones it can be challenging finding the best way to support them safely.
“Providing a tool like the disclosure scheme that can inform survivors or their loved ones of previous abusive behaviour, could help in preventing harm to women, children and young people experiencing domestic abuse. If you are worried about someone you know, we want to remind you that our helpline is available 24/7 for confidential advice.”
Kate Wallace, Chief Executive of Victim Support Scotland, comments: “We fully support Police Scotland’s campaign, and hope this encourages people who have experienced domestic abuse to realise that they are not alone.
“With reports of domestic abuse increasing in Scotland, it is important to recognise the long-term trauma that domestic abuse can cause.
“Almost 90% of domestic abuse victims experience financial and coercive control. Our Victims’ Fund has helped hundreds of people in these situations purchase, for example, security systems, furniture for temporary housing, and household essentials. For many this is providing a lifeline.
“Victim Support Scotland provides confidential and emotional support to help empower anyone who may find themselves a victim of domestic abuse, going some way to give people the confidence to take back control of their lives.”
If you, or anyone you know, are being abused or are at risk of abuse, please contact Police Scotland on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Or if you need support please contact Scotland’s domestic abuse and forced marriage helpline on 0800 027 1234, where support is available 24/7.
Our domestic abuse campaign will run across various social media platforms until the end of January 2022.
Edinburgh Division is determined it will be an inclusive place to work and has pledged this promise by signing up to the LGBT Youth Scotland’s LGBT Charter.
The LGBT Charter guides and encourages organisations to support members of the LGBTQ+ community in every aspect of their public engagement, as well as LGBTQ+ members of their own workforce.
It is hoped that by committing to the Charter, our own workforce will thrive at work, and also that our communities will have confidence in the organisation to keep them safe and supported, and see us an inclusive employer.
Constable David Clark from Edinburgh Division’s Preventions, Interventions and Partnerships Department said: “We are very proud to be the first division within Police Scotland to sign up to this worthwhile charter and we hope it makes a clear statement that equality and diversity are at the heart of everything we do.
“Edinburgh Division is in an enviable position in terms of the number of officers we have trained and the technology available that enables us to support this and it is anticipated that other divisions will follow suit in the near future.
“I believe signing up to LGBT Charter will go a long way in supporting police officers and staff within our division as well as supporting members of Edinburgh’s LGBTQ+ communities.”
Every weekend in Edinburgh city centre #OpNightGuard is in place to prevent disorder and provide reassurance to the public.
Dedicated teams of officers are deployed on foot during the evening and night time to prevent incidents, assist vulnerable people and ensure that everyone gets home safely.
We are always out and about supported by The City of Edinburgh Council who have additional staff out including taxi marshals, environmental wardens, night time teams and CCTV operators.
There are always volunteers from Edinburgh Street Pastors, Street Assist Edinburgh and other outreach services who are on hand to help and support vulnerable people.
Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information after a 31-year-old woman was assaulted in the city centre.
The incident happened around 11.20pm on Sunday, 12 December, 2021, on Market Street directly underneath North Bridge outside Waverly rail station.
The woman sustained a serious head injury and was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.
Officers are keen to speak to a man and a woman who were on the street at the time of the assault and then were seen on Jeffrey Street, going towards the Royal Mile.
The man is described as white, in his mid-30s, around 5ft 9ins, of medium build and with short dark hair. He was wearing a cream baseball cap, grey and blue padded jacket and a two tone blue hooded jumper, and blue jeans. He was carrying a plastic orange carrier bag.
The woman is described as white, also in her mid-30s, around 5ft 5ins, and of small build. She was wearing a knee length black padded jacket with the hood up and had small framed glasses.
Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe, from Edinburgh CID, said: “This part of the city was extremely busy at the time of the incident and we are appealing for anyone who was in the Market Street area and believes they may have seen what happened to come forward.
“If the man and woman see this appeal then please contact us. We are also keen to speak with any drivers in the area who may have dash-cam footage that could assist with our enquiries.
“Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting incident 3829 of Sunday, 12 December, 2021. Alternatively, you can call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”
Are you planning to purchase an e-scooter this Christmas? Make sure you know the laws and implications beforehand – using an e-scooter in a public place in Scotland is ILLEGAL.
This includes roads, pavements, parks, town centres and promenades. E-scooters can only be used on privately owned spaces, with the land or property owner’s permission.
E-scooters are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs). They are treated the same as motor vehicles and subject to the same legal requirements, such as insurance, a valid driving licence and compliance with manufacturing and use requirements.
Superintendent Simon Bradshaw, Deputy Head of Road Policing, Police Scotland said: “We understand that e-scooters are a tempting option for Christmas presents this year. It is important however, to make it clear, these are not toys and they are illegal to use in public.
“If an e-scooter is on your Christmas wish list, make sure you know how and where to use them safely.”
POLICE are appealing for information after a 20-year-old man was assaulted in Edinburgh city centre on Saturday (11 December).
The incident happened around 10.10pm in Meuse Lane when the man was involved in a conversation with four men. He sustained a head injury and was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh by ambulance.
The four men left in the direction of St Andrew Square. They are described as white, aged between 40 and 50-years-old and spoke with Scottish accents. Two were bald, one had short, dark hair and the other was wearing a dark coloured woollen hat.
Detective Sergeant Keith Taylor said: “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and we are keen to trace the men described as we believe they can help with our investigation.
“If you can help please contact us on 101, quoting incident number 3747 of Saturday, 11 December, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Edinburgh Police Scotland and The City of Edinburgh Council’s Christmas wish is to #KeepXmasSafe for young people whilst online & keep parents & carers more informed.
As 2021 draws to a close, big changes are on the horizon for North Edinburgh Arts. As part of the ongoing regeneration programme around MacMillan Square, development work at North Edinburgh Arts should begin in the next few weeks.
One of the last events before the planned makeover will be the Festive Community Event on Monday 13 December, kindly funded by Police Scotland.
North Edinburgh Arts will be host to many local community stalls on the day, so it’ll be a great opportunity to learn more about what’s going on in the local area, get together with other local residents and go away with a free goodie bag including some wonderful books to read this winter!
Whether you’re a regular user or occasional visitor to the North Edinburgh Arts space, you’re invited to say goodbye to the North Edinburgh Arts building. You can drop-in any time between 10am and 3pm when you can find out more about our temporary relocation while having a wander, a chat, a festive mince pie and hot drink.
