Police Scotland – Page 188 – The NEN

Four arrests following ‘substantial’ drugs recovery

Muirhouse man arrested following drugs raids

Police in Edinburgh have arrested four people this week in connection with the recovery of a substantial amount of controlled drugs in the city with a combined street value of over £53,000.

A warrant was executed at a residential address in Muirhouse where amphetamine worth around £30,000 and around £1000 worth of cannabis was recovered. A 25-year-old man has been arrested and charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act in connection with this recovery.

Officers also executed a search warrant at a residential address in Lauriston Street, where they found heroin with a street value of around £5,200, various drugs paraphernalia and a large quantity of cash. A 50-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man were arrested and charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act. They have been held in custody.

During a separate search, a drugs warrant was executed at a residential address in Westfield Avenue where more heroin with a street value of around £17,200 was seized along with cocaine and a large sum of cash. A 24-year-old woman has been arrested and charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Detective Sergeant Gary Reid said; “These searches removed a significant amount of illegal drugs from our streets and highlights that Police Scotland continues to tackle those involved in organised crime within the city.

“We will continue with a robust approach to tackle crime in the communities we police and I would appeal for the public to provide us with the information we need to disrupt those involved in criminality.

“This information may be provided to your community officers, through contacting police on 101 or alternatively in anonymity by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Man dies and two more missing following fishing boat capsize

Search resumes for missing fishermen in Firth of Forth

One man has died and two others are missing after a small fishing boat overturned in the Firth of Forth off East Wemyss yesterday.

A full-scale search involving police, coastguard, RNLI and an RAF search and rescue helicopter was launched by UK Coastguard was initiated after the men were reported missing in worsening weather conditions

Police said a man was recovered from the water around a nautical mile out to sea at about 5pm but he later died in hospital. The search for two other missing men resumed this morning.

Police seek witnesses to Granton motor bike incident

‘What it does, sadly, is highlight the risks faced by those who choose to ride stolen motorbikes’ – Chief Supt. Mark Williams

Police are appealing for information following a serious road traffic collision on West Shore Road last night. A fourteen year old boy is in a serious condition in hospital following the incident.

The incident occurred at around 11.20pm, when a BMW 1150cc motorcycle struck a wall. The rider, a 14-year-old boy, was thrown from the vehicle and subsequently landed on nearby rocks.

Police and emergency services attended and the Scottish Ambulance Service took the boy to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, where his condition is described as ‘serious’.

The motorcycle is understood to have been stolen.

Officers investigating the incident are now appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

Chief Superintendent Mark Williams said: “This was a terrible incident that has left a local boy badly injured. Thankfully it wasn’t more serious as the consequences could have been fatal.

“What it does sadly, is highlight the risks faced by those who choose to ride stolen motorbikes and it demonstrates the impact this can have on both the individual, their families and the community.

“We are appealing for anyone with information regarding this incident to contact us immediately.

“In unqualified hands motorbikes are extremely dangerous and tackling the theft of motorbikes and vehicles will continue to be a focus for local officers.”

Police Scotland launch annual Festival safety campaign

Love it or loathe it, you just can’t ignore it … yes, it’s Festival time in Edinburgh, and Police Scotland have launched their annual safety campaign

LAUNCH OF FESTIVAL POLICING OPERATION

We have today launched our annual campaign to keep people safe during the Festival.

In the coming weeks, hundreds of thousands of visitors are set to join the Capital’s local residents to enjoy a month of artistic performances and events, culminating in the fireworks display at the end of August.

To ensure the Festival is a secure and welcoming environment for tourists and locals alike, police will have a high-visibility presence throughout the city centre to offer a range of useful advice aimed at preventing the public being targeted by criminals.

All of this information will be available on the Police Scotland website or by following Edinburgh Division’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

Chief Superintendent Mark Williams, Divisional Commander for the City of Edinburgh said: “The Edinburgh Festival is a fantastic spectacle and results in worldwide attention for the city. We will be doing everything we can to prevent crime happening in the first place and I would appeal to the public to help us in that effort.

“By taking a number of simple steps, visitors and locals can ensure their experience of the Festival is memorable for all the right reasons.

“Remember to always keep an eye on your valuables when you’re out enjoying the sights and events within Edinburgh and never leave any belongings unattended. If you are enjoying the nightlife then please make sure you drink responsibly and have a plan to get home.

“This year, for the first time, we have helpful advice for tourists and visitors on-line that they can access before they arrive in the city, so that they can equip themselves with all the information they need to safeguard themselves against opportunistic criminals.

“I would ask that anyone planning on visiting Edinburgh in the coming weeks to visit our tourist and visitors advice page on the Police Scotland website.”

Community Safety Leader, Councillor Cammy Day, said: “Our environmental wardens will be working closely with Police Scotland in the city centre over the Festival period to help keep people safe and offer reassurance through a high visibility presence. I would encourage people to do their bit too, by acting responsibly and taking time to look at the latest safety advice.

“Edinburgh is a safe city and we want to maintain this, ensuring that visitors enjoying the Festival have the best possible experience of the city.”

Safety advice ahead of Hibs Rangers clash

Police in Edinburgh will have a robust policing operation present today to keep the public safe during the first round of the Petrofac Training Cup between Hibernian and Rangers – and fans have been warned to behave or face the consequences.

Thousands of spectators are expected at Easter Road for this afternoon’s game – which kicks off at 12.30pm – and a significant police presence will be in place to identify anyone in possession of alcohol, fireworks or flares.

Anti-social drinking in the surrounding streets will also not be tolerated and officers will be enforcing the Edinburgh by-law in this regard. In addition, police will be assisting stewards to carry out searches outside the ground to prevent illegal or prohibited items being smuggled in, including explosive or combustible materials.

Fans from both sides are urged to ensure their behaviour during the match does not put themselves or others in danger.

Chief Inspector Bob Paris said: “This is a significant fixture for both clubs and we want all supporters to enjoy the day.

“Police will be patrolling around the stadium with a focus on stopping anti-social street drinking and fans will be subject to searches as a condition of entry to the ground. Drinking on board a supporters bus to and from the match is also an offence and officers will be checking all coaches coming to the match.

“Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe and while the behaviour of the vast majority of Hibs and Rangers fans is exemplary, the reckless conduct of a small minority could place others in danger.

“Anyone found to be in possession of these items, or any other objects that are not permitted within the stadium, will be refused entry and may face further police action.”

Police seek witnesses following Cramond assaults

Police are appealing for witnesses after two teenage girls were indecently assaulted last week. The incident happened around 5pm on Friday 3 July at the Cramond Waterfall.

Both of the 13-year-old victims had been in the area when a male approached and assaulted the pair before walking off towards Cramond Beach.

The girls then reported the matter to police, who had been following a positive line of investigation but are now asking for the public’s assistance to help trace the suspect.

He is described as being potentially of Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi ethnicity, around 25-years-old with a large build, short dark hair and a full beard. He was wearing a white polo shirt, black dress trousers and black shoes.

Detective Sergeant David Brady from Edinburgh’s Public Protection Unit said: “This was a distressing experience for the young girls and we have been pursuing various lines of investigation over the past week to identify the suspect.

“However, we have so far been unable to establish who he is and I am keen to hear from anyone with information that can assist with our inquiry. In particular, we would like to speak with anyone who was walking between the Cramond Waterfall and Cramond Beach last Friday evening and may have seen this male.

“Similarly, anyone with any further information in relation to these assaults is also asked to come forward.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police pooh-pooh Porty party plans!

Officers pour cold water over beach party plan

Police are urging organisers of a beach party to get in touch:

UNLICENSED GATHERING -PORTOBELLO

Local officers in Portobello are aware of social media messages which suggest a beach party will take place on Portobello Beach on Wednesday evening (8 July).

Events such as these require a public entertainment licence and involve lots of planning and consultation to make sure all of those in attendance are kept safe.
So far, our colleagues at the City of Edinburgh Council have received no application for a Portobello Beach Party.

We are committed to keeping our communities safe and local policing teams will monitor the area on Wednesday to engage with members of the public and address any issues which may arise.

If anyone is planning a party on Portobello Beach, we would ask that they contact us and the City of Edinburgh Council so we can discuss all the relevant safety matter and ensure appropriate resources are utilised.

Leith pensioner attacked and robbed in his home

An 80-year-old man has been assaulted and robbed in his home in Leith. The attacker forced his way into the pensioner’s home in Buchanan Street at about 9:20 on Saturday morning.

Police Scotland said the attacker then assaulted his victim before stealing a sum of cash and making off.

The robber is described as a white male in his 30s, about 5ft 6in tall with a medium build and short brown hair.

Police have appealed for witnesses. Detective Inspector John Kavanagh said: “This was a distressing incident for the victim. We are eager to trace this suspect as a matter of urgency.

“Anyone who saw a male matching the suspect description in the Buchanan Street area yesterday, or has any other relevant information, is asked to contact police immediately.”

Police seek four following Trinity attack

Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault on two people on Laverockbank Road. Four people, one of whom is a woman, are being sought following the attack.

The incident happened at around 1am on Sunday 31 May, when the two victims and four suspects left a business premises separately.

The first suspect assaulted the 34-year-old male victim, and the 28-year-old female victim was assaulted when she tried to intervene. The other suspects then joined the attack and the female victim was knocked unconscious.

Both victims sustained facial injuries, which were subsequently found to be more serious than first thought. Police attended at the time of the incident, and officers have conducted various enquiries in an effort to trace the suspects.

The first suspect is described as a white man in his 30s, 5ft 10inches tall with a medium build. He had a shaved head and a heart tattoo with a keyhole on his right forearm.

The second suspect is described a white man in his 30s, 5ft 11inches tall with a heavy build. He had short dark hair and was wearing a dark jacket.

The third suspect was a white man in his 40s, 5ft 10inches tall with a slim build. He was wearing a light-coloured shirt.

The fourth suspect is described as a white woman, 5ft 6inches tall, with a medium build. She had long dark hair and was wearing a black jacket.

Detective Sergeant Clark Martin said: “This was a seemingly unprovoked and brutal attack and we are eager to trace anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or has any information which can help with our enquiries.

“We’re also eager to speak to a taxi driver seen in the area at the time of the assault, who may be able to help with our investigations.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Searching for Stacey

Can you help trace missing woman?

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for information in an effort to trace a 33-year-old woman who has been reported missing. Stacey Ann Ellis was last seen leaving work in St John’s Road, Corstorphine, at around 7:45pm last night.

Since then she has not made contact with friends or family and police are growing increasingly concerned for her wellbeing.

Stacey is described as around 5ft 6in tall, medium build with long dark brown hair. She has tattoos on both wrists and was last seen wearing a black jacket, black jeans and black boots.

She drives a grey-coloured Vauxhall Zafira with the registration DY11 ZGD, which was seen in Dundee on Tuesday night.

Inspector James Sinclair of Police Scotland said: “Stacey’s disappearance has come as a shock to her friends and family and we are keen to find her as quickly as possible.

“We believe Stacey has driven to Dundee and may still be in the city however we are keeping an open mind to the possibility that she may have moved on.
“I would urge members of the public in the city and wider Tayside area to contact police immediately if they have seen Stacey or the grey-coloured Vauxhall Zafira.

“Anyone who can assist us with our investigation is asked to contact police on the 101 or, alternatively via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”