Police Scotland – Page 126 – The NEN

Restalrig Death: Can You Help?

Police in Edinburgh are continuing to appeal for information following the death of an elderly woman in Restalrig last week.

Margaret Grant, aged 79, died in hospital following a disturbance and assault at a property in Restalrig Circus around 6.50pm on Friday, 24 January. Her death is being investigated as suspicious and an image of Margaret has now been released.

A week since Margaret died, both uniformed and plain clothes officers will be speaking to people in the Restalrig area.

In particular, officers are seeking information on a man who entered Margaret’s property and stole from her before leaving on foot. Indications are that he may have targeted Margaret’s address.

The suspect is described as white, aged between 20 and 30-years-old, about 5ft 6ins tall with combed long black hair and a Scottish accent. He was wearing a black top which may have had white lower sleeves, and dark trousers.

Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Houliston, from the Major Investigation Team in Edinburgh, said: “Officers are following a positive line of enquiry but we are still working to establish the full circumstances of what happened and our thoughts remain with Margaret’s family. They have asked for privacy at this difficult time.

“Anyone who may have seen anything in the Restalrig Circus area around the time of this disturbance, however insignificant they may think it was, should get in touch. Likewise if anyone has dash-cam footage that might help with our investigation, please call us.”

Those with information should call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3175 of Friday, 24 January, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Teenagers jailed for Prestonfield murder

Three teenagers who beat a pensioner to death in Prestonfield have been given live sentences.

Keirin McMillan (20) was sentenced to 18 years in prison with his younger brother, Aron McMillan (17), given 17 years and three months. A third boy, Levi Hunter (16), was sentenced to 17 years.

The brutal attack took place at around 10.40pm on Thursday, 21 February, 2019, following a report of a disturbance at Alasdair McPherson Forsyth’s flat on Clearburn Road in Prestonfield.

On arrival, 67-year-old Alasdair was found with serious injuries to his head and body. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Scottish Ambulance Service.

The three teenagers beat Mr Forsyth in a brutal attack with a hammer, a wrench and a screwdriver.

Detective Inspector Bob Campbell, the senior investigation officer on this case, said: “This attack on Alasdair was an unprovoked and cowardly act and the three individuals responsible have rightly been brought to justice.

“Knowing these teenagers will now spend a substantial period of time in prison is a welcome thought to the local community.

“Hopefully today’s news will give Alasdair’s family and friends closure on what has been a horrific period of time.

“I would like to thank officers and staff along with members of the community, who assisted with this investigation.”

Assault in St Andrew Square: Can You Help?

Police have released images of two men they wish to speak with in connection to an ongoing investigation into a serious assault in the city centre.

The incident took place around 2.20am on Tuesday, 15 October, 2019, in St Andrew Square. A 23-year-old man was assaulted outside a restaurant on the square, close to the junction with George Street and was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where he was treated for a serious facial injury.

Officers believe the men pictured may have information to assist their investigation and anyone who recognises them is urged to come forward.

The man in images one and two is described as white, aged between 18-22, of slim build with short brown hair. He is seen in the images to be wearing a black coloured polo shirt with a design on the collar, and is believed to have been wearing knee-length dark coloured shorts and white trainers.

The man in image three is also described as aged between 18-22, of slim build with short dark hair. He is seen wearing a black t-shirt with white writing to the chest and is believed to have been wearing black jeans and white trainers.

Detective Constable Tom Kerr of Gayfield CID said: “The victim was subjected to an unprovoked attack which left him with a serious facial injury that required surgical treatment in hospital.

“I would urge anyone with information as to the identity of the men pictured to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0260 of 15th October 2019. Alternatively please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

Glue attacks at city centre venues

Police Edinburgh are appealing for information following vandalism attacks on the National Museum of Scotland and the nearby Festival Theatre.

The incidents took place in the Museum last Friday (24 January) and again the following day, while a similar attack has since been reported at the Festival Theatre on Nicholson Street.

In all of the incidents glue was applied to areas of the venues’ toilets.

Inspector Trish Robertson, of the West End Community Policing Team, said: “Thankfully nobody has been seriously injured as a result of these incidents, however these thoughtless acts were extremely irresponsible and could have potentially harmed young children.

“Officers are conducting a thorough investigation and I would urge anyone with any information, of who may have seen something suspicious, to contact Police via 101, quoting incident 2808 of 27 January.”

Morrison Street assault and robbery: Renewed appeal for information

Police are continuing to investigate a serious assault and robbery which took place in the city centre earlier this year.

The incident took place around 3.10pm on Thursday, 2nd January, 2020 within a common close on Morrison Street. A 25-year-old man was assaulted and had his phone stolen.

Officers believe that the males pictured may have information to assist their investigation and anyone who recognises either of them is urged to come forward.

The male (above) in images one and two is white, believed to be about 6′ tall, around 25-years-old and of medium build. He is pictured wearing a full light grey tracksuit, a blue hat and blue trainers.

The male in images three and four is white and believed to be about 5’10″ tall. He is pictured wearing a full grey tracksuit with the hood up and a black gilet over the top.

They were last seen on Gardner’s Crescent heading towards Fountainbridge, Edinburgh.

Police Constable Chris Docherty from Corstorphine CID said: “The victim suffered a serious injury as a result of this attack and was understandably very shaken.

“We are appealing for anyone who can help us locate these men to get in touch with us.”

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting the reference number 1774 of 2 January, or can make an anonymous report through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Woman dies following disturbance at Restalrig flat

Police in Edinburgh have confirmed that a woman has died following a report of a disturbance at a property in the east of the city.

At around 6.50pm on Friday (24 January) officers attended a property in Restalrig Circus. A 79-year-old woman was taken from the property by the Scottish Ambulance Service to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where she died later that night.

The death is being treated as unexplained and inquiries are ongoing.

Police are eager to speak to a man who was near the address at the time and they believe he may be able to assist with their enquiries.

He is described as white, aged between 20 and 30-years-old, about 5ft 6ins tall with combed back dark hair and a Scottish accent. He was wearing dark clothing with a top which possibly has white sleeves.

Inquiries into the full circumstances of the incident are ongoing.

Chief Inspector David Happs, Local Area Commander said: “Our enquiries into this incident are at an early stage and ongoing. The local community will see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days.

“Our thoughts at this time are with the family and friends of the woman who has died and specialist officers are providing her next of kin with the necessary support.”

Anyone who may have been in the Restalrig Circus area yesterday evening, or who recognises the description of the man police wish to speak to, or who holds any information around this incident, are urged to get in touch with officers as soon as possible.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 3175 of 24 January. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Did you see Dalry Road accident?

Police in Edinburgh are continuing to appeal for the help of the public following a crash last week. Officers are appealing for witnesses to come forward following the incident at 5.40pm on Monday, 13 January, on Dalry Road.

A man was involved in a collision with a green Ford Focus while crossing the road near to the junction with Murieston Crescent.

The 42-year-old man suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital as a precaution after being treated by the Scottish Ambulance Service at the scene.

The driver of the car stopped and is assisting officers.

Anyone who saw the collision is asked to come forward to try and assist with enquiries.

Sergeant Jill Kirkpatrick from Edinburgh’s Road Policing Unit said: “The area was busy due to the time of day and I would encourage anyone who witnessed the collision, and who hasn’t already spoken to us, to come forward.

“Fortunately the pedestrian was not seriously injured and both he and the driver of the vehicle are assisting us with our ongoing enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2887 of 13 January.

Tag: Police Scotland