Police Scotland – Page 13 – The NEN

Police praise Halloween behaviour: Now for Bonfire Night

Operation Moonbeam deployments have concluded and we’d like to thank the overwhelming majority of the public who have enjoyed the Halloween celebrations in the right spirit (no pun intended!)

A few incidents of minor antisocial behaviour involving fireworks were reported within Edinburgh, Midlothian and Glasgow, and inquiries into these are ongoing.

In total, four Dispersal Orders were issued in the South East of Edinburgh.

There have been no reports of any injuries to date.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam, said: “I’m really encouraged that we have not seen the same levels of disorder that we experienced last Halloween and thankful that we’ve not had any reported injuries to those emergency services, bus drivers, or members of the public.

“We will continue to have enhanced resources in place over the weekend and into next week ahead of Bonfire Night and I would again encourage our communities to enjoy the coming days responsibly and help us keep everyone safe.

“I’m grateful to the public for their overwhelming support of our policing operation and my thanks go to all officers, emergency service colleagues and other key partners who have played a vital role in protecting communities, or ensuring that vital services have been provided to those who needed them.”

#OpMoonbeam

#Halloween

#KeepingPeopleSafe

Man jailed for attempted murder on London Road

A man has been sentenced to nine years in prison for the attempted murder of a 48-year-old man in Edinburgh.

Patrick Moohan (pictured), also 48, was convicted of attempted murder after pleading guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday, 30 October, 2025. He was sentenced the same day.

Moohan carried out the knife attack on the man on London Road in Leith on Monday, 14 April, 2025.

Detective Sergeant Craig McMillan said: “This was an extremely vicious display of violence and the man suffered serious injuries.

“I hope this sentence sends a clear message that violence is completely unacceptable.

“Police Scotland are committed to bringing perpetrators to justice and we will continue to work closely with our partners to do so.”

‘Scotland remains a safe place to live’ – Angela Constance

Homicides at lowest level in half century

Homicide numbers in Scotland have fallen to their lowest level since comparable records began in 1976, according to official figures.

Cases recorded by Police Scotland fell to 45 homicides in 2024-25, down 12 on the previous year. For all of the 45 homicide victims recorded in 2024-25, the associated case was solved.

The greatest reduction in homicide victims over the last 20 years has been among young people aged 16-24 – falling from 110 victims between 2005-06 and 2009-10 to 31 between 2020-21 and 2024-25.

The publication by Scotland’s Chief Statistician provides information on crimes of homicide recorded by the police in Scotland in 2024-25.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “My thoughts are with every family who have lost a loved one, however the fact that the number of homicides has fallen significantly over the last decade, now to a record low in 2024-25, is clearly a positive and welcome trend.

“While the number of young lives lost to homicide has also reduced significantly over recent years, behind every statistic is the grief of loved ones and a tragedy that demands continued and determined action.

“I am grateful to Police Scotland for their work that saw 100% of cases solved last year – a fact which, along with the decline in homicides, is further evidence that Scotland remains a safe place to live and justice is being served.

“The Scottish Government has invested more than £6 million since 2023 to support implementation of the Violence Prevention Framework for Scotland. This funding provides a range of activities to prevent violence and reduce its harm, much of which is supporting young people away from violence.

“To help prevent the future abuse and death of women and girls, we now have the statutory framework in place to create what will be Scotland’s first national multi-agency domestic homicide and suicide review model, with reviews expected to start from next spring.”

Homicide in Scotland 2024-25

Appeal to trace Ruth Hannah, 80, missing from Bruntsfield area

POLICE are asking for the help of the public to trace an 80-year-old woman reported missing from the Bruntsfield area.

Ruth Hannah was last seen around 10.55am yesterday (Thursday, 30 October) at a supermarket on Colinton Road.

She is described as around 5ft 4ins, of average build with short dark hair and wears glasses. When last seen she was wearing a dark-coloured coat, a grey jumper, black trousers and black shoes. She was carrying a shoulder bag with a long strap.

Inspector Caroline Herbert said: “Concerns are growing for Ruth’s welfare and it is important we make sure she is safe and well.

“We are asking anyone who has seen Ruth or knows where she might be to get in touch. Please also check gardens and sheds in case she has sought shelter.”

Anyone who can help is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2329 of Thursday, 30 October, 2025.

Celebrate Bonfire Night safely

Council Leader Jane Meagher discusses plans in place for Bonfire Night and encourages residents to celebrate safely:

Bonfire Night is a much-loved tradition and a highlight of the year for so many across the city. It’s a time to come together with friends, family, and neighbours to enjoy fireworks and have fun.

As we look forward to celebrating, we’re asking everyone to do so safely and responsibly. Wherever possible, we’d encourage residents to attend one of the many organised displays taking place across the city. These events are not only the best way to enjoy fireworks, they’re also the safest.

Sadly, in previous years, we’ve seen a small minority misuse fireworks in ways that put others at risk. Emergency services workers, local businesses, essential bus services, and members of the public have all been affected by dangerous and anti-social behaviour. This is unacceptable and it doesn’t reflect the vast majority who simply want to enjoy the night peacefully.

That’s why we’re taking proactive steps again this year, working closely with our partners to put robust plans in place. One important measure is the continued use of Firework Control Zones (FCZs), which were introduced in response to community concerns. Based on data and evidence, FCZs are about making sure celebrations happen in the right way and in the right place and they’ve already proven to be effective in previous years.

Aligning these with Dispersal Zones ensures there is a comprehensive framework in place to deter reckless and antisocial behaviour.

They’re not a catch-all solution, but they’re part of our broader approach that includes enforcement, prevention and engagement.

Our teams, alongside Police Scotland, have been visiting firework retailers across Edinburgh and I’m delighted that all but 2 have made the decision not to sell fireworks this year. This is a huge step forward that will make the celebrations safer for everyone.

We’re also prioritising direct engagement with young people, giving them a voice in how we shape our approach to firework safety. Just recently, Police Scotland and Fearless hosted a youth summit, offering young people a meaningful platform to share their perspectives and help develop the Fearless social media campaign which will reach thousands of our young people in the run-up.

We’re backing this up with funding for alternative activities and youth engagement programmes aimed at providing positive choices and discouraging anti-social behaviour.

In the lead up to Bonfire Night, you’ll also notice Council teams and community volunteers working together to clear hazardous materials, tackling fly-tipping, and offering free bulky waste collections to reduce the risk of deliberate fires.

Together, we can all play a part in making Bonfire Night a safe and enjoyable time for everyone by following safety guidance, being considerate of others, and reporting any concerns.

Fearless promotes firework safety at Edinburgh event

Hundreds of young people across Edinburgh united at the Corn Exchange last month for Igniting Change – an event placing young voices at the heart of shaping Scotland’s approach to fireworks safety.

Hosted by Fearless, Crimestoppers’ youth service, in partnership with Police Scotland and supported by key organisations, the initiative gave pupils a unique opportunity to share their views directly, deepen their understanding of fireworks risks, and help create resources for their peers in the run-up to the fireworks season.

Fearless Digital Media Officer Natalia Ainsworth chats with some event attendees

The insights, experiences, and creative ideas gathered on the day will form the foundation of a new Fearless social media campaign, launched on 27th October across Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram, reaching hundreds of thousands of young people across Scotland in the run-up to Bonfire Night.

From fire safety and animal welfare to learning about the medical realities of fireworks injuries with the Scottish Ambulance Service and Medics Against Violence, some serious issues were tackled – but the young people also helped create a campaign soundtrack alongside a professional DJ, shared ideas on a digital graffiti wall, and engaged in a live Q&A panel with officials and experts.

We’re looking forward to the campaign delivering engaging, relatable content designed by young people, for young people, encouraging safer choices and stronger communities during fireworks season.

Police Scotland: Dispersal Zones in Edinburgh

From 31 October – 5 November 2025, dispersal zones will be enforceable to help prevent anti-social behaviour and keep our communities safe.

Additional officers will be on patrol and have powers to take action where needed.

Stay safe and enjoy Bonfire Night responsibly by attending organised events only:

https://orlo.uk/iQ6cx

Legislation says:

Where a constable has reasonable grounds for believing that the presence or behaviour of a group of two or more persons in any public place in the relevant locality is causing or likely to cause alarm or distress to any members of the public, the constable may give:

1. A direction requiring the persons in the group to disperse

2. A direction requiring any of those persons whose place of residence is not within the relevant locality to leave the relevant locality or any part of the relevant locality

3. A direction prohibiting any of those persons whose place of residence is not within the relevant locality from returning to the relevant locality or any part of the relevant locality during such period (not exceeding 24 hours) from the giving of the direction as the constable may specify

ANY PERSON WITHOUT REASONABLE EXCUSE WHO KNOWINGLY CONTRAVENES A DIRECTION GIVEN TO THEM UNDER THIS ACT SHALL BE GUILTY OF AN OFFENCE AND WILL BE ARRESTED WITHOUT WARRANT

At time of writing there are NO organised public displays in Edinburgh – Ed.

#TomorrowWeStillLiveHere

#KeepingPeopleSafe

#PoliceScotland

Two charged as part of investigation to tackle Bonfire Night disorder

NORTH EDINBURGH PROPERTIES RAIDED

Two men have been charged as part of an ongoing investigation to tackle disorder ahead of this year’s Bonfire Night period.

On Wednesday, 15 October, 2025, officers in West Lothian recovered 200kg of fireworks from a storage unit in East Calder.

As part of enquiries, intelligence-led searches were then carried out at properties in West Granton Road, West Pilton Lea, West Pilton Street, West Pilton Place and Bughtlin Place.

Two men, aged 18 and 25, were arrested and charged. The 18-year-old was due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Friday, 24 October and the 25-year-old is scheduled to appear today, Monday, 27 October.

Detective Inspector Steven Dick from Edinburgh Division CID said: “Our enquiries suggest the large quantity of fireworks seized was intended to be used for disorder and violence over the coming weeks.

“We know the significant impact the criminal use of fireworks has had on communities, vital services and emergency workers during the last few years, and this will not be tolerated.

“Officers will continue to gather intelligence and carry out enforcement and disruption action to prevent firework-related offences and bring to justice those who intend to cause fear and injury during the Bonfire Night period.”

Anyone who has information on planned criminal activity involving fireworks can contact Police Scotland via 101 or make an anonymous report to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police vehicles crash on Broughton Street: Road closures

UPDATE 10:00am

Broughton Street has re-opened following a crash involving two police marked vehicles, reported around 6am on Friday, 24 October, 2025.

Three officers were taken to hospital for assessment, but their injuries are not believed to be serious.

Enquiries are ongoing.

Broughton Street is closed following a crash involving two marked police vehicles.

We received a report at 6am and emergency services are in attendance.

The closures are from East London Street, Albany Street, Forth Street and York Place.

Please avoid the area.

Pedestrian injured in Liberton Road hit and run

Road policing officers are appealing for information following a crash involving a car and a pedestrian in Edinburgh.

Around 12.55pm on Wednesday, 22 October, a blue Vauxhall Corsa failed to stop for officers on Newington Road. A short pursuit took place before the car struck a pedestrian at the junction of Liberton Road and Gilmerton Road.

The vehicle failed to stop and continued south on Gilmerton Road and was later found abandoned a short distance away on Glenallan Drive.

The pedestrian, a 47-year-old man, was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment to serious injuries.

Sergeant Grant Hastie said: “Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and trace those responsible.

“I would urge anyone who witnessed the crash, or saw a blue Vauxhall Corsa in the area beforehand or afterwards, to come forward.

“We are also keen to speak to anyone with dash-cam or private CCTV footage that may assist our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1486 of 22 October, 2025.