POLICE are appealing for information following an assault in Leith.
The incident happened around 1am on Tuesday, 6 May, 2025 on Elbe Street when a 58-year-old man was assaulted. He was taken to hospital for treatment.
The three suspects are described as being white men, around 6ft tall, in their 50s, and of muscular build.
One had short, blonde hair. Another had red hair and was wearing blue jeans and a dark blue top. The third had dark hair and was wearing a blue shirt and blue jeans.
Detective Inspector Alison MacDonald said: “Enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing to anyone who witnessed this to contact us.
“We are particularly keen to speak to a person who stopped to assist the man assaulted following the incident.
“We also ask anyone with private CCTV of the area at the time to come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 1675 of 7 May, 2025. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.
Detectives investigating a number of linked incidents in the West and East of Scotland arrested six people yesterday following executive action in Glasgow and North Lanarkshire.
This brings the total number of arrests made during this investigation to 32.
On Friday, 9 May, 2025, officers from the Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit, assisted by firearms officers, executed warrants and searched six properties in the Barlanark, Maryhill, Hamiltonhill, Milton of Campsie and Wishaw areas.
In Glasgow, two men, aged 31 and 26, were arrested in connection with conspiracy to murder and directing serious and organised crime.
A 36-year-old man was also arrested in connection with conspiracy to murder.
A 26-year-old man was arrested in connection with drug offences and a 57-year-old man was arrested in connection with proceeds of crime offences.
In Wishaw, a 42-year-old man was arrested in connection with involvement in serious and organised crime.
A number of items, including a quantity of class B drugs and approximately £46,000 in cash, were also seized during the operation.
Extensive enquiries remain ongoing.
A dedicated team of officers from Police Scotland’s Specialist Crime Division and the local division continue to work together to gather vital evidence and reassure the public with intelligence-led patrols.
Detectives investigating a number of linked incidents in the West & East of Scotland have arrested six people following action in Glasgow & North Lanarkshire. This brings the total number of arrests made during this investigation to 32.
Detective Chief Superintendent David Ferry said: “These arrests continue to highlight the hard work and dedication of officers to target those responsible for these attacks.
“While the number of incidents has continued to decrease since the start of this investigation, I want to reiterate that violence will not be tolerated and will not stop until we bring those responsible for this criminality to justice.
“We are working tirelessly to build cases and are following a number of significant lines of enquiry.
“The support of our communities is absolutely vital when it comes to tackling serious organised crime, preventing violence and getting justice for victims and I want to again thank the public for their help and information so far.
“If you know anything about these dangerous and abhorrent acts, please do the right thing and speak to us.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0562 of Friday, 21 March, 2025. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after two vehicles were deliberately set on fire in Pitcairn Grove, Greenbank.
Officers and emergency services attended the area at around 7.45pm last night (Thursday, 8 May, 2025) and extinguished the flames. There were no reports of any injuries and no one was within the vehicles at the time.
Three suspects dressed in dark-coloured clothing are reported to have left the area in a black hatchback vehicle along Greenbank Drive.
Detective Superintendent Paul Grainger said: “This was a reckless act which has resulted in significant fire damage to the vehicles. We believe this was a targeted attack and it is fortunate that no one was injured.
“I am directly appealing to a dog walker who was in the area at the time and may have seen the suspects leaving the area. If this was you, or you can help us trace this person, please get in touch with officers.
“Equally anyone with any information that can assist our inquiries should contact police as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 3400 of Thursday, 8 May, 2025. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
Police Scotland has made around 100 arrests, seized more than 200 kilograms of illegal drugs, taken three firearms off the street and safeguarded 11 children as part of a significant investigation to dismantle a Scottish organised crime gang.
Operation Intensity, which began in May 2023, involved officers from the Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit and targeted a criminal network operating across the country, including in Dumfries, Ayrshire, and Central Scotland.
Intelligence indicated the group was well resourced and was exploiting vulnerable people in some of our most deprived communities to fund their crimes.
Couriers travelling by car were used to operate dealing lines, who were then resupplied from safe houses.
The arrests, in both rural and urban areas, took place within a number of local divisions, spanning from Argyll to Tayside.
Forty-six search warrants were executed as part of action to disrupt the gang, which resulted in large quantities of drugs, including cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, pills and herbal cannabis being seized.
More than £600,000 in cash and firearms, including a handgun, air weapon and a BB gun, were also recovered with ammunition from the addresses.
Alongside this enforcement activity, 11 children were safeguarded after officers identified they were at risk from the gang as part of their criminal activities. They were referred to partner agencies or passed into the care of family members.
Detective Superintendent Stevie Elliot said: “This operation is a clear example of how we use our national resources, alongside the knowledge of our local policing teams, to bring down large gangs operating across the country.
“Our strategy was maximising the safety of the public and protecting vulnerable people, particularly children and young people who are all too often coerced and groomed by County Lines drug dealers.
“Organised criminal gangs show no shame or remorse for their actions and all their activities are focused on profiting from exploitation.
“These arrests and seizures highlight our dedication to tackling organised networks in Scotland. Illegal substances cause real harm and misery to individuals, families and communities.
“This shows our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce where we work with partners on a multi-agency approach to tackling the threat of OCGs.
“We cannot do this alone and we need the public’s help to rid these gangs from their communities. I would urge anyone with information or concerns about drugs or organised activities should contact Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Two further arrests have been made as officers continue to investigate linked violent incidents in the East and West of Scotland.
On Friday, 2 May, 2025, a 41-year-old man was arrested by another police force and charged by Police Scotland in connection with two fire-raisings at a property on Hay Drive, Edinburgh on Sunday, 23 March and Friday, 4 April. He was due to appear in Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 6 May.
A 24-year-old man was also arrested and charged in Edinburgh for a breach of bail on Friday, 2 May and appeared in Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 5 May.
Detective Chief Superintendent David Ferry said: “I want to make it clear that we will not stop until we bring those responsible for this criminality to justice.
“Local officers continue to reassure the public with intelligence-led patrols to disrupt the activities of criminals in our communities.
“The support of our communities is absolutely vital when it comes to tackling serious organised crime, preventing violence and getting justice for victims. Your information really can make a difference.
“If you know anything about who is responsible for these dangerous and abhorrent acts, please do the right thing and speak to us.”
Anyone who can assist our enquiries is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0562 of Friday, 21 March, 2025.
Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
POLICE are appealing to the public to help trace Michaela Sharp, 32, who is reported missing from Leith. Michaela was last seen on Saturday 26/04/25 in The Shore area.
She is described as a white female, 5’3 (160 cm) in height, pale complexion, long brown hair, green eyes and of medium build.
Inspector McCulloch said: “We are growing increasingly concerned for Michaela’s welfare and our enquiries are ongoing to trace her.
“I would appeal to anyone who may have seen or has any information on her whereabouts to please contact police as soon as possible.”
If you can assist, please contact police on 101 quoting reference 3085 of 02/05/25.
Road policing officers are appealing for information following a fatal crash on the A70 near Kirknewton, Edinburgh last night.
The incident happened around 11.35pm on Friday, 2 May, near the junction for the B7031 and involved a blue Skoda Octavia car, a black Mercedes Vito taxi and a bicycle.
Emergency services attended and the driver of the car, a 46-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene. The taxi driver was taken to hospital and later discharged. The cyclist did not require medical treatment.
The road was closed for crash investigation work and re-opened around 9am this morning
on Saturday, 3 May.
Sergeant Grant Hastie said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the man who has died.
“Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and we are asking anyone who saw what happened to get in touch.
“We are particularly keen to trace a second taxi driver who may have witnessed this crash.
“Anyone with relevant dash-cam footage is also asked to contact police.”
If you can help please call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 4689 of Friday, 2 May, 2025.
POLICE investigating a number of linked violent incidents in the East and West of the country are continuing in their efforts to target those responsible. A further four people have been arrested in the past week bringing the total to twenty four.
On Friday, 2 May, Glasgow officers carried out warrants at four properties in the north of the city and Govan and arrested two men, aged 20 and 32.
The 20-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with a wilful fire-raising on Wellington Road, Bishopbriggs on Tuesday, 8 April, 2025.
The 32-year-old man was arrested and charged with a breach of peace linked to serious and organised crime in connection with an incident which took place at Castlebay Street, Glasgow on Wednesday, 16 April, 2025.
Both men are due to appear in Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday, 5 May, 2025.
This is in addition to two arrests which took place on Balmore Road in the early hours of Thursday, 1 May. Officers carrying out pro-active patrols in the area spotted two men acting suspiciously. A vehicle was then stopped and searched and two men, aged 18 and 43, were arrested and charged. Both appeared in Glasgow Sheriff Court that same day.
A number of warrants were also executed in the east of the country on Friday, 2 May, and a number of items including cash and mobiles were seized. Enquiries remain ongoing.
Meanwhile, local officers continue to reassure the public with intelligence-led patrols to disrupt the activities of criminals in our communities.
Detective Chief Superintendent David Ferry said: “The high number of arrests made during this investigation highlights the ongoing work that officers have been doing to target those responsible for these attacks.
“While the number of incidents has decreased since we started this investigation I want to make it clear that we will not stop until we bring those responsible for this criminality to justice.
“The support of our communities is absolutely vital when it comes to tackling serious organised crime, preventing violence and getting justice for victims. Your information really can make a difference.
“If you know anything about who is responsible for these dangerous and abhorrent acts, please do the right thing and speak to us.”
Anyone who can assist our enquiries is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0562 of Friday, 21 March, 2025.
Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
Ian Murray MP has written to Angela Constance, the Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, demanding urgent action to tackle the misuse of e-scooters and e-bikes across South Edinburgh.
The Edinburgh South MP says he has been contacted by a growing number of concerned residents about the dangerous and antisocial use of these vehicles, which are often seen travelling at high speeds on pavements or tearing up grass in public parks like the Meadows.
“People are telling me they feel unsafe in their own communities,” he said. “It’s not uncommon to see riders travelling far too fast, wearing masks, and using e-scooters or bikes that go well beyond the legal limits for power and speed.
“It’s putting pedestrians, especially older people and those with disabilities, at real risk. Many of these bikes are not even legal to use in Scotland due to being overpowered, yet they are sold with impunity, with many owners not even realising they own an illegal vehicle. While the recent arrests and action by Police Scotland is welcome, more needs to be done to solve this problem”.
In his letter, Murray raises concerns that enforcement is not keeping pace with the growing problem. He’s asked what action the Scottish Government is taking to:
Improve enforcement and penalties against misuse;
Support police officers with updated guidance on pursuit;
Crack down on the sale of illegal high-powered vehicles;
Provide Edinburgh’s police force with the resources needed to respond following the record funding settlement given by the UK government in the last budget.
Ian Murray added: “This isn’t about stopping people from using green transport – it’s about making sure it’s done safely. Local residents have had enough of the damage and danger caused by illegal and reckless use of these vehicles.
“Our Police do an amazing job, but after the announcement by the head of the Scottish Police Federation this week that there are ‘not enough’ officers to get a grip on crime, the Scottish Government needs to step in and work with the council and police to deal with this.”
On Friday, 25 April, 2025, officers in Edinburgh carried out a targeted initiative aimed at cracking down on the illegal use of off-road and electric bikes.
Uniformed and officers in plain clothes, road policing officers and specialist support officers, carried out patrols in the Roseburn Park, Cramond and Pilton areas in response to community concerns.
Officers received several reports of a bike being ridden by youths in and around the Marine Drive area. Officers attended and carried out enquiries, resulting in a 15-year-old male being arrested and charged in connection with theft and road traffic offences.
The bike, which had previously been reported stolen from Albert Street in Leith, was recovered. During this initiative a 23-year-old man driving a van in Pilton was issued with a fixed penalty notice for a road traffic offence.
Detective Sergeant Will Dickson, of the Community Investigation Unit, said: “We continue to respond to community concerns regarding antisocial behaviour and the illegal use of vehicles.
“Patrols using both uniform and plain clothes officers are ongoing to enforce road traffic laws, keep the public safe and deter those intent on causing damage or annoyance through the use of bikes.
“I would ask anyone who uses an off-road motorbike to use it safely and within the law.”
Anyone with concerns or information regarding this type of anti-social behaviour should contact Police Scotland via 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
POLICE are appealing for information following a crash involving a pedestrian and a car on Ashley Terrace.
The incident happened around 12.30pm yesterday (Monday, 28 April, 2025) and involved a black BMW 118i Sport.
Emergency services attended and the 80-year-old female pedestrian was taken the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh with serious injuries.
The female driver did not require medical treatment.
The road was closed and re-opened around 5pm.
Sergeant Paul Ewing said: “Our enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this crash, and I would appeal to anyone with any information to please contact police.
“I’m also keen to speak to any drivers who were in the area at the time and may have dash-cam footage which has captured something of significance.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident number 1421 of 28 April, 2025.”
