Tag: Police Scotland

Man jailed for Grassmarket attacks

A man who attacked three people in the city centre in November 2018 has been jailed.

At the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday, Peter Cameron was sentenced to a minimum of 6 years imprisonment and subject to an order for lifelong restriction following the attempted murder of two women and the serious assault of one man outside a hotel in the Grassmarket.

The judge further informed Mr Cameron that under the terms of his indeterminate sentence he must not assume he will be released at the end of the 6 year period.

Cameron, 39, approached the 59 and 62-year-old female victims as they stood within a vennel area and spoke briefly with the pair before walking off. He returned a short time later in possession of a knife and assaulted the pair, leaving them with serious injuries.

A 39-year-old male employee from the hotel then came to the women’s aid and sustained a hand injury during a struggle with Cameron, who then ran off from the area.

Gayfield CID launched a thorough investigation into the attacks and Cameron was arrested later the same evening.

He pled guilty to the attempted murder of one woman and the serious assault of the man, while he was found guilty of the second attempted murder, in court on Tuesday 18th June.

Detective Sergeant Gavin Howat from Gayfield CID said: “Peter Cameron subjected two women to a horrifically violent and unprovoked attack, and also injured another men who stepped in to help them.

“There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that, had it not been for the courageous intervention of the hotel employee, Cameron would be commencing a custodial sentence for murder.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank this individual for his selflessness and bravery, and for his assistance with our investigation, which resulted in Cameron’s arrest.

“This sentence should send a clear message that violent crime will not be tolerated in Edinburgh.”

Police urge motorists to drive safely

Police are urging motorists to drive safely after a number of people were charged in connection with high level speeding offences over the bank holiday weekend.

Between Friday 8 May and Sunday 10 May, 12 men were detected driving at speeds between 93mph and 111mph on the M876 J2 near Larbert. The men, aged between 19 and 66, will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

Other notable incidents across Scotland between Friday 8 May and Monday 11 May include:

• On 8 May a 47-year-old man was detected driving at 57mph in a 30mph limit on the A803 Bonnybridge.

• On 9 May, a 46-year-old man was detected driving at 55mph in the 30mph limit also on the A803 Bonnybridge.

• Also on 9 May, a 27-year-old man was detected driving at 119mph in a 70mph limit on the A90 near Blackdog, Aberdeenshire.

• On 10 May, a 21-year-old man was detected driving at 103mph in a 70mph limit on the M8 near Euro Central.

• On 11 May, a 29-year-old man was detected driving at 101mph in a 60mph limit on the A90 near Ellon, Aberdeenshire.

Chief Superintendent Louise Blakelock, Head of Road Policing said: “The dangers of speeding are well known and have been shown time and again as being a significant factor in fatal and serious injury collisions.

“Speeding increases your risk of being involved in a collision. With the current challenges facing us just now, we need to protect the NHS and save lives, therefore, drivers need to be more cautious and consider other road users.

“The high speeds detected over the weekend show that despite the clear risks involved a minority of drivers are still willing to take their chance. Officers will continue to patrol the road network to deter and detect illegal driving behaviour in an effort to keep the public safe.

“Additionally, the stay at home message from the Scottish Government is still in place, therefore, we would ask people to consider if their journey really is essential. If it is, drive safely.”

Missing man appeal: THOMAS FOUND

UPDATE: Thomas has since been found safe and well

Police are appealing for information from the public to trace a man from the local area. Thomas Foley Smith (29) was last seen at the Cairn Hotel, Windsor Street around 12 noon on Friday (8 May).

He is described as being white with short brown hair. He has links to the Muirhouse and Abbeyhill areas

Members of the public are asked not to approach Mr Smith however Police Scotland would like to reassure people that considerable and extensive efforts are being put into locating him.

Anyone with information or sightings should contact Police Scotland immediately on 101.

Getting help for people at risk from harm

It’s vitally important during these unprecedented times that people know where to turn to if they feel someone is vulnerable in their communities.

We should all be following government guidance to stay at home to limit the spread of Coronavirus – however, being at home can increase tensions and affect mental health, meaning some people in our communities are more vulnerable now.

Children and adults can be at risk of harm, and some people will be experiencing financial difficulties or struggling with addiction – but help is available.

If you think a child or adult is at risk of harm, you should report your concerns so that professionals from social work, police, NHS and the voluntary sector can help.

The Council has already put in place measures to support people staying at home like support from our educational psychologists for families who may be struggling with home learning and wellbeing.

Depute Council Leader Cammy Day said: “Now more than ever in these challenging times we should all be reaching out to anyone we think may be suffering and requires support. Many people may be unaware that there’s a wide range of networks in the city for those in need.

“We’ve all heard of many amazing tales of kindness and selfless acts in Edinburgh during this pandemic. It’s so important we raise awareness among our communities of the help that is out there. So, our appeal is … please if you have concerns about someone then contact the appropriate organisation to get them support – you can make a real difference just by making that vital phone call.

“As a Council we work really closely with partner organisations like the NHS, police and voluntary sector to support the most vulnerable in our society.

“A great example is our All of Us campaign with the NSPCC which encourages people to get in touch if they’re finding it hard to look after children, a family needs some extra help or someone they know could do with more support.

“It’s vital people know who to turn to if they have concerns – don’t hesitate to make your voice heard and change people’s lives for the better.”

If you’re concerned about your own safety or someone you know like a relative, friend or neighbour then you should contact Social Care Direct on socialcaredirect@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 200 2324.

  • If you’re concerned for the immediate safety of a child or adult, phone the police on 999.
  • If an adult or child needs medical attention with or without COVID-19 symptoms, phone NHS on 111 or if it’s an emergency 999.

There are various forms of support such as Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage helpline on 0800 027 1234,  Edinburgh Women’s Aid on 0131 315 8110 and our All of Us campaign, with NSPCC Scotland.

‘Police officers and staff have also been spat at or coughed on’

Between 24 March and 18 April, there have been over 100 crimes committed in Scotland, where police officers and staff are recorded as victims.

Police Scotland has underlined that coronavirus-related attacks and threats aimed at police officers and staff will not be tolerated, after more than 100 such incidents were recorded.

Officers and staff are visible in communities 24 hours a day as the service encourages people to stick with physical distancing requirements to protect the NHS and save lives.

They are engaging with the public, explaining the physical distancing requirements, encouraging people to comply with the law, and using enforcement only where necessary.

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone has thanked Scotland’s communities for the high levels of co-operation shown during this challenging period.

However, there have been occasions where frontline policing teams and personnel from the custody suites have been subjected to abusive behaviour including threats of deliberate transmission.

In some instances, officers and staff have also been spat at or coughed on.

Between 24 March, 2020 and 18 April, 2020, there have been over 100 crimes committed in Scotland, where police officers and staff are recorded as victims.

Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor said: “Police officers and staff are playing a vital role as we all make the changes and sacrifices needed to protect the NHS and save lives.

“I’d like to thank the vast majority of our communities for their co-operation and support as we all contribute to the national effort to curtail the spread of coronavirus.

“Those doing the right thing will agree these sorts of attacks on our officers and staff are outrageous and disgraceful.

“Abuse and assault is not simply part of the job for police officers and staff and will not be tolerated.

“The Chief Constable has made it clear that this completely unacceptable. The Lord Advocate has also confirmed that offenders will be dealt with robustly by Scotland’s prosecution service.

“Threatening a member of Police Scotland personnel, or any other emergency service worker, while they are carrying out their duties to keep the public safe will result in immediate arrest.

“On the occasions where such incidents have occurred we have seen a very supportive approach from Sheriffs across the country and in some instances, offenders have been remanded in custody.”

 

Armed robbery at Goldenacre store

Police are appealing for information after an armed robbery at a store in the Warriston area. The incident happened at a premises on Montagu Terrace around 7.40am this morning.

A man entered the store and presented a knife, he threatened staff to open the till and made off with a sum of cash.

The man is described as being white, aged in his early 20s, of slim build, around 6ft to 6ft 2in tall. He had a black face covering and was wearing a black hooded top with the hood up, black trousers and black gloves.

Detective Sergeant Dougal Begg, of Corstorphine CID, said: “Thankfully nobody was injured in the incident but this was a frightening experience for the member of staff.

“Enquires are ongoing to identify the man responsible, including reviewing CCTV from the area.

“Anyone who believes they may have information which could help identify the man or who was in the area at the time of the robbery is urged to contact police as soon as they can.”

Anyone with information call 101, quoting incident 0924 of 9 May, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Edinburgh Police: Stick with the guidance and stay at home

Chief Superintendent Sean Scott has asked everyone in Edinburgh to stick with the guidance to stay at home as part of the collective effort to slow the spread of #Coronavirus.

He said: “Across Edinburgh, we have seen people playing their part, engaging with our officers and complying with the guidance in place to protect the NHS and save lives.

“The restrictions in place have not changed and we need everyone to continue engaging and co-operating with us.

“We are still here for you. If you need to report a crime or you have concerns about someone who may be at risk of harm, please let us know. We will help.”

The latest information on interventions by Police Scotland, including a divisional breakdown, is available here ➡️ http://ow.ly/2NjG50zAU32

#StayHomeSaveLives 🏠

Arrests following city road policing operations

On Wednesday (6 May 2020), road policing officers stopped a vehicle on Ellersly Road in Murrayfield. Officers searched the car and discovered a quantity of drugs and an offensive weapon.

Two men, aged 18, and one man aged 20, were arrested and charged in connection with the incident. All three men are subject of a report of the Procurator Fiscal.

A further operation at 10:30pm that night resulted in a 19-year-old man being arrested and charged in connection with road traffic offences in Duddingston Row, Bingham where officers responded to a white Vauxhall Van being driven dangerously.

Officers stopped the car and a 19-year-old man was arrested and charged.

Inspector Roger Park of Edinburgh City Road Policing said: “We will always target road users who are a hazard on our roads and put other road users at risk. Members of the public can be assured we will continue to patrol our roads night and day to ensure they are safe for us all to use.”

Police appeal: Have you seen Vincent?

Police are appealing for the public’s help as part of their efforts to trace a 45 year old man. 

Vincent Kelly was last seen in Windsor Street in Edinburgh on Wednesday 29th April 2020 and there are concerns for his welfare.

Vincent is described as white, 5ft 10, slim build. He is bald with light coloured facial stubble. He is missing three fingers on his right hand and speaks with a west coast accent. When last seen he was wearing a white t-shirt, grey trousers and black footwear.

He has links to the Glasgow and East Lothian areas.

Anyone who may have seen Vincent since 29th April 2020, or who has any information regarding his current whereabouts, is urged to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 1413 of 3rd May 2020.

Police seek witnesses to Holyrood Park assault

Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault in the Arthur’s Seat area of Holyrood Park.

The incident happened around 7.10 pm on Saturday, 25 April, when a 53-year-old man and a 53-year-old woman sustained minor injuries.

Officers are keen to speak to three men and a woman who may be able to assist with enquiries. The suspects, who were all white and aged in their mid-20s are described as:

1) Slim built man, around 5ft 9ins tall, with short black hair and wearing a black hoody, and black jeans.

2) Stocky man with light ginger hair wearing a grey t-shirt with multi-coloured letters on and a hoody open over the top, a grey hat, and combat shorts. He had a light grey husky dog with blue eyes, wearing a dark collar.

3) Slim built man around 5ft 8ins tall. He had an English accent and had a goatee beard around the edge of his chin and dark wavy hair. He was wearing dark trousers and a bright blue t-shirt on. He was on a bike which notably had a turquoise food delivery bag on the back of it.

4) Slim built woman around 5ft 4ins tall, mid-length light brown hair just past her shoulder. She was wearing an oversized sweatshirt and black trousers. She was on a bike and had a nose ring.

There were several walkers in the area at this time and officers are keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who can identify those involved.

Those with information should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3900 of 25th April 2020, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.