Tag: Police Scotland

Police launch Operation Summer City 2024

Police in Edinburgh have today launched their annual campaign to keep people safe throughout the Edinburgh International Festival 2024.

Operation Summer City launches on Friday, 2 August, to coincide with the beginning of The Festival and will be in effect for the duration of the four-week event, which includes the Fringe, Book Festival, Art Festival and Film Festival.

Edinburgh’s population is expected to double to around one million people throughout August and an enhanced policing resource will be in place to engage with

As part of Operation Summer City, local officers from Edinburgh will be supported by colleagues from neighbouring divisions. National and specialist departments within Police Scotland will also be deployed to provide additional support and assistance.

Throughout Operation Summer City, Edinburgh Division’s social media channels will be used to offer a range of advice and guidance aimed at keeping people safe. The public should follow Police Scotland Edinburgh Division on Facebook and @PSOSEdinburgh on Twitter to view these messages.

Chief Inspector Paul Gillespie from Edinburgh Division said: “Edinburgh during the Festival is one of the most exciting places in the entire world and we want to ensure all of those enjoying the festivities remain safe throughout. 

“Over one million people will be within the Capital throughout August and those visiting the city-centre can expect to see a high-visibility police presence who are happy to speak with the public to address any issues they may have, as well as to respond to any reports of crime arising.

“To enhance our presence and ability to respond to any incidents occurring, we will have our mobile police station set up in Cockburn Street and anyone wishing to speak face-to-face with an officer is welcome to drop-in during the station’s opening hours.

“We want everyone to have an enjoyable, memorable and safe Festival and rest assured, we are doing everything we can to maintain Edinburgh’s status as one of Europe’s safest cities to live, work and visit.”

Police: Have you seen Rory?

POLICE are appealing for the assistance of the public in tracing 20 year old Rory Dowling-Clarke, who has been reported missing from Granton, Edinburgh.

Rory was last seen at 2pm on Monday 29th July, 2024 in the Granton area and is thought to have since been in Leith and the City centre.

If you have any information please contact 101 and quote police incident 2038 31/07/24.

Police issue CCTV appeal following serious assault in Frederick Street

Police have released images of a man who they believe may be able to assist with their investigation into a serious assault in the city centre on Sunday, 7 July

The assault on the 32-year-old man took place around 3.25am on Frederick Street. The victim was was taken to hospital for treatment.

The man police want to trace is described as a white male, in his early 20’s and of slim build with short dark hair.

He was wearing a white t-shirt with a grey jumper tied round his waist, light blue jeans and white trainers.

Detective Constable Rebecca Curtis said: “We encourage this man, anyone who may recognise him, or anyone with information about this incident to get in touch.”

Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting reference number 0669 of 7 July. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Four arrested after police chase

Around 1.15pm yesterday (Sunday, 28 July), two cars which had been stolen from the Trinity area were seen by officers on Maybury Road.

The occupants of the vehicles made off from the scene on foot and were traced nearby by officers a short time later in possession of a number of weapons.

Four males aged 16, 17, 19 and 20 have been arrested in connection and enquiries are ongoing.

Police would like to thank the public for their help with this investigation.

Gorgie Farm Fire: Youth Charged

A 14-year-old male youth has been arrested and charged in connection with wilful fireraising in Edinburgh.

The incident happened at a stable at Gorgie City Farm, off Gorgie Road, shortly after 6.25pm on Wednesday, 24 July, 2024.

No one was injured.

Enquiries remain ongoing.

Appeal for further information following serious crash on M8

POLICE are appealing for further information following a serious crash on the M8, near to J13 Provan, in Glasgow on Wednesday (24 July, 2024).

Around 1.10pm, a Mercedes A45 collided with an unmarked Volvo S90 police car and a Mercedes CLS, which were on the hard shoulder of the eastbound carriageway.

Two male police officers and two men from the Mercedes CLS were taken to hospital following the crash.

A 48-year-old police officer and a 43-year-old man remain in a critical condition.

A 38-year-old police officer and a 31-year-old man have both been discharged from hospital following treatment. 

Three men, aged 27, 33 and 39, were travelling in the Mercedes A45 at the time of the collision. The 27-year-old and 39-year-old left the scene but were traced nearby following enquiries. All three were taken to hospital for treatment.

The 39-year-old remains in a critical condition. The 33-year-old is still being treated for serious injuries.

The 27-year-old was discharged from hospital and arrested in connection with road traffic offences. He was released pending further enquiries but has since been arrested and charged in connection with an unrelated matter. He is being held in custody and expected to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Friday, 26 July, 2024.

The eastbound carriageway was closed for around 12 hours to allow enquiries to be carried out at the scene.

An online portal has been set up to enable the public to send information directly to the investigation team. Anyone doing so can choose to remain anonymous.

The link can be accessed here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT24S06-PO1

Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Head of Road Policing for Police Scotland, said: “Our thoughts remain with our colleagues and members of the public who were injured in this incident.

“The collision occurred on a busy part of the M8 during the middle of the day. I am appealing to anyone who saw what happened or has information, and has not already spoken to officers, to please come forward.

“Additionally, please contact us if you have any dash-cam or CCTV footage relating to this incident that could assist our investigation.

“Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what happened.”

Information can be passed to Police Scotland by calling 101 and quoting reference number 1672 of 24 July.

As is standard procedure following an incident of this nature, the matter has been referred to Police Investigation & Review Commissioner (PIRC) for review.

Police use drones to target antisocial behaviour in South Queensferry

Police Scotland Air Support Unit launched their drone in South Queensferry this week as part of an operation tackling antisocial vehicle use in the Hawes Pier area.

Community officers were joined by Cllr Lewis Younie and assisted by colleagues from our Roads Policing Team to raise awareness of the issue and engage with those involved.

Action needed to tackle antisocial behaviour at Newkirkgate

Foysol Choudhury, Labour list MSP for Lothian Region, has been contacted by businesses, residents, and visitors in Leith regarding the escalating issue of anti-social behavior at the Foot of the Walk in Leith. 

In response, Mr Choudhury organised an urgent community meeting with Leith Labour Councillor Katrina Faccenda, Police Scotland and local businesses from the Newkirkgate Shopping Centre. 

Mr Choudhury has visited the location multiple times, witnessing the anti-social behaviour and criminal activity, which local businesses report as a daily occurrence.

Reports indicate that the behavior, centred around the benches in front of the shopping centre, includes assaults, drug use and the presence of weapons. 

After the community meeting, Mr. Choudhury said: “The message from local businesses is clear — urgent action is needed before things deteriorate.

“The cry from local businesses here is clear – urgent action must be taken surrounding the behaviour on these benches outside Newkirkgate Shopping Centre.

“Workers should not have to battle thefts, discarded needles and assaults on a daily basis and members of the public should not have to face intimidation and harassment whilst just trying to pick up their shopping and prescriptions. 

“I’ve been liaising with local businesses to hear their concerns and alongside my colleague Cllr Faccenda, we will be pushing for actions which could deter and tackle this behaviour.

“Police Scotland have also been very helpful in providing visibility in the area and suggestions of how we can tackle these incidents.

“I’ve already raised this issue via multiple channels and will continue to do so – by working together and by developing partnerships, I hope we can improve this situation for the local community.”

Man arrested following 2023 road fatality

A man has been arrested following a fatal road crash in Edinburgh in 2023.

The incident occurred in Stevenson Drive in the Balgreen area of the city around 3.30pm on Saturday, 26 August, 2023. A 70-year-old female pedestrian died in the incident.

A 24-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with road traffic offences. He was due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, 18 July, 2024.

Youth arrested and charged following city centre chase

Around 7.50pm on Wednesday, 17 July, 2024, police officers observed a stolen vehicle being driven in the West Port area.

It failed to stop, and a short pursuit took place on Lady Lawson Street towards Lothian Road where it was cancelled for safety reasons.

Shortly afterwards, the same vehicle then struck a female pedestrian on Princes Street, before continuing onto South Saint David Street where it crashed into another vehicle.

A 17-year-old male was arrested on Market Street by officers following a short foot chase. He has been charged in connection with road traffic offences and released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date.

Emergency services attended, and the female pedestrian was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment to minor injuries. The driver of the other vehicle wasn’t injured.

One lane of Princes Street was closed near the Scott Monument for around three hours as enquiries were carried out, which caused some disruption to public transport.

Police would like to thank members of the public who assisted officers in tracing the male.