A 14-year-old boy has been arrested and charged in connection with a fire at the St Paul’s RC church in Muirhouse Avenue on Sunday evening.
He will now be reported to the Children’s Reporter.
Enquiries are ongoing to trace others believed to be involved in this incident and anyone with information that can assist officers with their investigation is asked to come forward.
Police are appealing for witnesses following a hit and run incident in Davidson’s Mains last Sunday (30 November).
A thirteen-year-old boy was on a push-along scooter in Main Street at around 8.10pm when the collision occurred after the car mounted the pavement. He sustained minor injuries and was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.
The vehicle failed to stop at the scene of the incident and was last seen heading towards the Drylaw area, and anyone who can assist officers with their ongoing enquiry is asked to come forward.
The vehicle is described as a dark-coloured people carrier type similar to a Citroen C4 hatchback.
Inspector Chris Scobbie said: “Fortunately, the boy was not more seriously injured as a result of this incident, but he still required treatment at hospital. The driver failed to stop and we are conducting local enquiries to trace this individual.
“We are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time of the collision and who may have information relevant to this investigation. In addition, I would urge the driver to come forward as soon as possible.”
Anyone with any information regarding these incidents should contact Police Scotland immediately on 101 or through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police keen to speak to group of youths
Police are appealing for witnesses following the fire at St Paul’s church in Muirhouse on Sunday night. A joint investigation by police and specialist fire investigators took place yesterday and the incident is being treated as ‘suspicious’.
Inspector Alan Carson said: “This was an appalling attack on a religious building which, despite its closure, was still of importance to the local community in Muirhouse. It was a reckless act which could well have resulted in serious injury or worse.
“We are eager to talk to anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious around the church on Sunday night.
“We are particularly keen to trace a group of youths who were seen near the church less than an hour before the fire was reported. Tracing these young people would significantly help us with our enquiries.
“Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Police Scotland immediately on 101 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service crews from Crewe Toll, McDonald Road, Tollcross, Sighthill and Marionville attended the incident at9.30 on Sunday evening and brought the blaze under control just after midnight. No-one was injured.
‘What we had feared and predicted has happened tonight’
St Paul’s lies a blackened ruin this morning following a major fire at the former RC church in Muirhouse last night. An investigation has been launched and an expert forensic team is expected on the scene at first light. The fire is being treated as ‘suspicious’.
Emergency services were alerted at 9.30pm last night and at one point seven fire engines were on the scene. Police also closed off a section of Pennywell Road as firefighters battled to control the blaze.
One Pennywell resident said: “I was making a cup of tea when I noticed there was a weird red glow in the sky. I was just going to ask my wife to have a look when she came through and told me that my son had been on the phone to say St Paul’s was on fire.”
A crowd of onlookers gathered and flames could be seen shooting high into the air through the roof of the church. It’s though the building will now be demolished for safety reasons.
It’s a tragic end for a building that’s been at the heart of the Muirhouse community since the 1960’s. St Paul’s closed in October despite a community campaign to keep the church alive, and the building was quickly put up for sale – described by the selling agents as a ‘Re-development Opportunity’.
The fire has come as no surprise to some members of the local community. George Reavley was one of organisers of the Save St Paul’s campaign. Speaking last night, he said: ” Over forty years of history and fond memories for local families has been desecrated in one night by mindless, thoughtless creatures.
“What we had feared and predicted has happened tonight. St Paul’s Church was torched and went up in a huge blaze. We told the Parish Priest NOT to board the church up when it was closed. He told the Archdiocese this as well but they went ahead and boarded it up anyway. It was always on the cards. This is what happens when you don’t heed local advice.”
Unfortunate accident or foul play? We’ll find out more once investigators get to work.
Police are seeking witnesses to an accident that resulted in the death of of a bin lorry driver in South Queensferry on Saturday afternoon. The 58-year old man died after being crushed by his own truck when he tried to stop it rolling out of a car park.
The man, who has been named as Maurice Willis, was pinned against a wall by his lorry which then hit a parked car and mounted a pavement before ploughing through a fence and coming to a stop on Hawes Pier. He later died in hospital.
Police Scotland’s Sgt Brian Smith said: “This tragic accident happened as the driver tried to stop his lorry from rolling out of the car park of the Hawes Inn.
“He was crushed against the wall by the lorry, which then hit a parked Jaguar car before rolling across the road and mounting the pavement. demolishing a bench and fencing before it came to rest hanging over the edge of the pier.
“Although this is a busy road, with a number of pedestrians in the area at the time, fortunately no-one else was injured. We are carrying out a full investigation and I am appealing for any witnesses who have not already spoken to us, to call Police Scotland on 101.”
A man has been treated in hospital for a facial injury after being attacked in Frederick Street’s Suva nightclub. Police said the 28-year-old was standing at the side of the dance floor when a man struck him on the face with an “unknown object” at about 02:30 on Saturday.
The victim was taken to hospital for treatment and was later released. The suspect is described as white and in his 20s. He was wearing dark clothing and was last seen running from the club.
Det Con Douglas Mogg said: “The victim suffered a painful injury to his face and we are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry to trace the male responsible. Anyone who was in the club and witnessed the attack or who has information that can help us trace the suspect is urged to contact police immediately.”
Police are appealing for witnesses after two men were assaulted and robbed in Leith on Thursday evening. The incident happened at around 9.40pm in Breadalbane Street.
A 21-year-old and 19-year-old were sitting in a car waiting for a friend when three men approached the vehicle. Two of the suspects produced knives and threatened the pair, while the third suspect, who was in possession of a metal pole, searched the car for valuables.
Both victims were struck on the head with the pole during the robbery before the three men responsible made off. Fortunately neither required medical attention.
Police are urging anyone who can assist with their enquiries to come forward.
The suspects are all described as being white, 25-30-years-old, between 5ft 8ins and 5ft 9ins tall with slim builds and wearing dark hooded tops and dark trousers.
Detective Constable Graham McIlwraith said: “The victims were taken by surprise when the suspects approached their car and produced weapons before robbing them of their personal possessions. Thankfully, though, neither of them were injured and we are now conducting local enquiries to trace the men responsible.
“Anyone who was in or around Breadalbane Street on Thursday evening and remembers seeing anything suspicious is asked to contact police immediately. We would also request that anyone who recognises the description of the suspects, or who has any further information relevant to this investigation, gets in touch as soon as possible.”
Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Just time to add one more pre-upgrade post … information from local police as part of the #StrongerNorth initiative:
6 November report: Disturbances in the Forth area
Following several minor incidents of disorder in the Forth area of Edinburgh last night, a number of fireworks were thrown at Drylaw Police Station.
As a response, we deployed extra resources to the Drylaw and West Pilton areas, including two specialist support units. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were also in attendance. After these resources were deployed, no further incidents occurred.
Chief Inspector Sara Buchanan said: “Such behaviour will not be tolerated and further investigation is being carried out to identify those responsible.
We continue to place a strong focus on youth disorder and anti-social behaviour, and we in North Edinburgh are committed to tackling these issues in conjunction with our partners, through our Stronger North initiative, and we will take action whenever we receive a report of a crime.”
#StrongerNorth
#StrongerNorth initiaitive launched in WestPilton
Police Scotland, the city council and the local community have joined forces to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in North Edinburgh. Working together under the #StrongerNorth banner, they will work together to address community safety concerns across the area.
Last month, residents expressed anger at an apparent failure by local agencies to respond to concerns over antisocial behaviour in West Pilton. A public meeting followed the stabbing of a Chinese takeaway shop owner and residents demanded action to tackle gangs of ‘out of control’ youths. Last night’s meeting, again organised by West Pilton West Granton Community Council, was an opportunity for the authorities to respond.
Around twenty local residents attended the meeting in West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre, and heard that both police and the city council have poured extra resources into the area to address community concerns. The agencies are working closely together on a number of initiaitives to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in the area and local residents were told that ‘West Pilton will remain a high priority for us as long as it needs to be’.
Local area Commander Sarah Buchanan acknowledged that communication with the local community was not as good as it should have been and told the meeting that this now being addressed. “We are very aware of your concerns and we are acting to address these”, she said. ” It is really important to share information about what we are doing at all sorts of different levels and we will continue to do this. #StrongerNorth will help to improve communications with the local community- we will endeavour to get out as much information about what we are doing as we can, as quickly as we can.”
North Neighbourhood Manager Peter Strong highlighted a number of ongoing initiatives and assured the meeting that community concerns are being taken seriously. “We recognise there is a crisis, and we are here to help. This is not just about the council, or the police. It’s about all of us working together to make this a good community to stay in.”
Concerns were raised again over punishments and ‘rewards’ – there is still a perception that the ‘bad’ kids get all the treats to encourage them to change their behaviour, while ‘good’ kids go without.
Senior Children & Families official Alistair Gaw outlined procedures for dealing with offending children, and said: “The Children’s Hearings have substantial powers, but we are dealing with very serious problems. A number of these young people have had hundreds of charges”.
Community councillor Willie Black called for the local community to rally round to to support – and lead – efforts to change the area. “It’s fight or flight”, he said. “We don’t want to see people leaving the area, we’ve got to fight to make our community a vibrant place that people want to come to. There are some truly great things happening all across this area and we’ve got to build on that.
“We’re here – it’s our patch and we need to get it sorted. We can build an area where everyone can feel welcome – an area everyone can be proud of.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is appealing for the public’s help to ensure that 2014’s Bonfire Night is the safest ever for Scotland:
Bonfire Night is traditionally one of the busiest nights of the year for the SFRS with the number of emergency calls typically seeing a 40% increase throughout the period. SFRS is up to four times busier on 5 November than any other night of the year.
From 2009 to 2012, the number of secondary fires, which includes bonfires and refuse fires, averaged 1118. In 2013 there was a significant drop in this number to 517 bonfires on November 5th, with an overall drop in secondary fires of around 40% compared to 2012. SFRS aims to maintain and improve upon this decline in calls for Bonfire Night 2014.
The Service is appealing to the public to stay safe this Bonfire Night by attending organised events rather than staging their own bonfires or fireworks displays.
Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay, Director of Prevention and Protection for the SFRS said: “This year we want Bonfire Night to be the safest one on record. I’d ask every member of the public who is thinking of holding their own bonfire or fireworks display to attend an organised event instead. These events are well organised, much more spectacular than a DIY display and most importantly it’s much safer for you, your family and friends.
“When our crews are called to attend bonfires it means we have to divert resources away from other emergencies and life threatening calls – that could end tragically for anyone who truly needs our urgent help.
“We want everyone to be able to celebrate on 5 November and have fun, but in a safe way that doesn’t require the intervention of the emergency services.
“In the run up to Bonfire Night 2014 our Service personnel will be going to schools across Scotland to teach children about the dangers associated with bonfires and fireworks.
“We can all play a part in making this time of year safer. It is against the law for fireworks to be sold to children and young people. If you are aware of this happening please report it to Police Scotland or Trading Standards. We would also encourage the public to report unsafe or dangerous bonfires or bonfire materials and any suspicions of deliberate fire setting. In doing this, we can keep our communities safer together.
“The public are requested to pass on any information about who may be responsible for fire setting to Police Scotland using the 101 non-emergency number or Scotland Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.”
Daren Mochrie, Director of Service Delivery at the Scottish Ambulance Service said: “Every year our ambulance crews and hospital departments treat people for severe burns and other firework night related injuries. Fireworks are safe when used properly but the consequences can be tragic and life changing if the appropriate precautions are not followed and we recommend that people go along to a professionally organised display.
“In the event of someone suffering from a burn or scald, you should act quickly and:
The majority of minor burns and scalds can be treated at home and if unsure you can contact NHS 24 on www.nhs24.com/SelfHelpGuide or phone 111 for further advice. If injuries are serious, seek urgent medical help and call 999 and ask for ambulance”.
Superintendent Danny Hatfield, Head of Prevention and Interventions, Police Scotland, said: “We want people to listen to safety advice and attend organised events so families can keep safe and enjoy the Bonfire celebrations. The best way of keeping safe is to attend official bonfire events which will also help reduce the number of unnecessary call outs for Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
“We can all play a part in making this time of year safer while having fun. Remember it is against the law for fireworks to be sold to children and young people. Please help us keep people safe by reporting any concerns to Police Scotland by calling 101.”
SFRS have produced lots of guidance and safety tips about Bonfire Night 2014, available online now at http://bit.ly/SFRSbonfire2014.
Advice includes information about bonfire and fireworks safety (including a bonfire and fireworks safety leaflet available for download) along with links to our TV, radio and press advertisements.
SFRS will be offering tips on staying safe in the lead up to Bonfire Night through our social media channels on Facebook and Twitter.
