Police Scotland – Page 20 – The NEN

Man arrested and charged in connection with the death of a man in Edinburgh

WATSON CRESCENT VICTIM NAMED AS ELVIS PALLA

A 34-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of man in Edinburgh.

Around 6.10am on Saturday, 13 December, 2025, we were called to a report of a death at a property in Watson Crescent.

Emergency services attended and a 34-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 34-year-old is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today (Monday, 15 December, 2025).

The 34-year-old man who died at a property in Watson Crescent, Edinburgh on Saturday, 13 December, 2025 has been named as Elvis Palla.

A 34-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with the death and appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 15 December, 2025.

Three arrested following £8 MILLION cocaine recovery

Three men have been arrested and charged in connection with one of the largest ever drugs recoveries in Scotland, worth more than £8 million.

On Thursday, 11 December, 2025, officers executed a warrant at a premises on Melford Road in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire and cocaine with an estimated street value of more than £8m was recovered.

The men, aged 29, 46 and 65, were arrested and charged in connection and they are due to appear at Hamilton Sheriff Court tomorrow – Monday, 15 December, 2025.

Enquiries into the full circumstances are ongoing.

Detective Superintendent Steven Elliot said: “This was a sizeable recovery – one of the most significant we’ve seen in Scotland.

“This work underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy. Taking drugs off the street is a priority for Police Scotland.

“Drugs cause misery in our communities, and the public has a vital role in helping us to trace those involved in the supply of illegal substances.

“Anyone with information or concerns about drugs should contact us via 101 or make a call to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Action Porty to buy former police station

We have HUGE news to share! Scottish Land Fund have announced that they will fund 100% of the price for Action Porty to buy the former police station building from Police Scotland via a Community Asset Transfer.

We at Action Porty are absolutely thrilled!!! (Actually, that’s an understatement. We were dancing on the tables when we heard the news!)

When Action Porty bought Bellfield on behalf of the community, Scottish Land Fund (SLF) awarded us 90% of the purchase price.

It’s partly our strong track record that led to this amazing result, but its mostly the incredible work, which has been happening behind the scenes, by a group of very dedicated volunteers: Frazer McNaughton, Mark Boggis, Justin Kenrick and Kieran Gaffney, with Kieran and the team at Konishi Gaffney architects and local structural engineer James Lewis, Hive Structural Ltd, providing pro bono services.

Background – what has led us to here?

Aug 2024: Police Scotland announced plans to sell the building. (Operational police officers haven’t been stationed there since 2016).

Oct 2024: 97% of Community Council survey respondents supported community ownership.

Nov 2024: Community consultation event overwhelmingly endorsed Action Porty’s proposal.

Jan 2025: Action Porty submitted the Community Asset Transfer request.

Jul-Sept 2025: Police Scotland agreed to request and price and Scottish Ministers gave their approval.

Dec 2025: with SLF deciding to fund the purchase, we are in reach of the finishing line!

The actual finishing line will be March 2026 when the sale completes.

To meet the funding conditions and complete the sale we need to get the necessary planning permissions and building warrants in place. There’s lots to do!

Watch this space – we’ll share more news as we get it.

What’s next for this iconic public building which has served the community for almost 150 years?

Find out here: https://www.bellfield.scot/heart-of-porty

Any questions, comments or feedback that you’d prefer to not post on social media? Email heartofporty@gmail.com

#ScottishLandFund

#communityownership

The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland

Development Trusts Association Scotland

Man convicted of firearm offences

A 39-year-old man has been convicted of possessing and discharging a firearm in Edinburgh.

Nicky Robertson pleaded guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday (Thursday, 11 December, 2025).

Around 3.05am on Thursday, 20 March, police received a report of a firearm having been discharged at a property on Niddrie Marischal Crescent.

Robertson was arrested and charged in connection with the incident on Thursday, 24 April.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry, Specialist Crime Division, said: “While this was established as a targeted attack, it was a concerning incident for the local community.

“Through the hard work of the officers involved in Operation Portaledge we were able to recover the firearm involved and ultimately bring the man responsible to justice.

“This conviction highlights Police Scotland’s commitment to the Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce and its national strategy.”

Operation Portaledge is the ongoing investigation into violent incidents in the East and West of the country.

Man jailed following violent offence and discharge of firearm in Edinburgh

A 27-year-old man has been sentenced to eight years and four months in prison following a violent offence and discharge of a firearm in Edinburgh.

Arran Reid pleaded guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh today, Tuesday, 9 December, 2025 to assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement and to danger of life.

Officers were made aware of the attempted murder of a 54-year-old man on Pitcairn Grove in Edinburgh around 9.20pm on Thursday, 22 May.

Reid was arrested and charged in connection with the incident on Monday, 16 June.

On Friday, 13 June, officers were made aware of a window having been damaged at a property on Walter Scott Avenue.

Following enquiries, it was established that the damage had been caused by the discharge of a firearm.

Reid was also charged in connection with this incident on Tuesday, 15 July.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry, Specialist Crime Division, said: “I want to make it clear to those intent on being involved in serious criminality that we will not give up and you will be brought to justice.

“This conviction is testament to the hard work and dedication by detectives, specialist officers and partners across the country.

“It also highlights Police Scotland’s commitment to the Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce and its national strategy.”

Operation Portaledge is the ongoing investigation into violent incidents in the East and West of the country.

Former Police Scotland officer jailed for firearms offences and neglect of duty

A former Police Scotland constable has today, Monday, 8 December 2025, been sentenced to two years and three months in prison at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Alan Sharp, 52, previously pleaded guilty to three charges relating to firearms and one charge of wilful neglect of his duties as a police constable and firearms enquiry officer, when he appeared at the High Court in Glasgow on 10 November, 2025.

He had possession of two firearms and live ammunition outside the terms of his own firearms license and admitted failing to carry out the necessary checks and enquiries for applications for firearms licenses.

Sharp resigned from Police Scotland in November 2025.

Assistant Chief Constable for Professionalism and Assurance, Lynn Ratcliff, said: “Alan Sharp’s actions in no way reflect the high standards expected of an officer in Police Scotland.

“He abused his position as a constable, neglected his legal duties, and his actions go against everything we stand for as an organisation.

“It is right that policing is held to high standards at all times, and we will always support officers and staff acting with our values and standards at heart. The onus is on policing to build and maintain public confidence and consent which is critical in our ability to keep our communities and citizens safe.

“As a result, people like Alan Sharp have no place in Police Scotland. Matters are thoroughly investigated when an officer or staff member fails to uphold the high standards we expect in policing.”

Community Safety at Waverley

Police Scotland joined British Transport Police, CEC Trading Standards, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and Neighbourhood Watch Scotland at Waverley Railway Station today for a Community Safety stall.

We provided commuters and Christmas shoppers with advice on staying safe on the train network, crime prevention during the festive period, fire safety and how to sign up for Neighbourhood Watch.

Upcoming Events:

– The Gyle Shopping Centre – Wednesday 10 December, 10:00–13:00 (Police Scotland & Neighbourhood Watch)

– Asda Chesser – Thursday 11 December, 12:00–14:00 (Police Scotland)

– Cameron Toll Shopping Centre – Wednesday 17 December, 12:00–14:00 (Police Scotland)

Have you seen Aleighsha?

POLICE are appealing for help from the public to trace Aleighsha Brechin, 13, who has been reported missing from Prestonpans.

Aleighsha was last seen 08:30am on Wednesday, 3 December, 2025. She is described as being 5ft 4in in height and was wearing a black hooded jumper, black tracksuit bottoms and white Nike trainers when last seen.

Aleighsha may be within East Lothian but also has links to Edinburgh including Fort Kinnaird.

It is out of character for Aleighsha to be out of contact with family or friends and we are asking anyone who may have seen her to contact us.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 0076 4th December 2025

Looking for a good deal on Christmas presents? #TakeFive

Looking for a good deal on Christmas presents?

Criminals create fake websites that impersonate big brands. Always verify the site’s authenticity before entering any personal or financial details.

#TakeFive to Stop, Challenge and Protect this Christmas.

Stop: Take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information. It could keep you safe.

Challenge: Ask yourself, could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

Protect: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve been scammed and report it to us.

#ChristmasShopping

#StopChallengeProtect

Man convicted of rape of teenager in Edinburgh city centre

A 20-year-old man has been convicted of the rape of a teenage girl in Edinburgh on Sunday, 25 May, 2025.

Aaron Strachan pled guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday (Thursday, 4 December). He is due to be sentenced at the same court on Tuesday, 13 January, 2026.

The incident happened in the early hours of the morning in the York Place area.

Strachan also pled guilty to an assault to severe injury which took place in the South Bridge area of Edinburgh on the same date, as well as an assault to severe injury and endangerment of life which took place in the High Riggs area of Edinburgh on Wednesday, 28 May, 2025.

Detective Inspector Gillian Wells, from Edinburgh’s Sex Offender Policing Unit, said: “This was a particularly harrowing attack which was carried out in the busy city centre area and had a profound effect on the young victim.

“The other assaults also demonstrate what a violent individual Strachan is, with no consideration of the consequences of his actions.

“I would like to thank local officers for their excellent work which ensured Strachan was quickly identified and arrested.

“Police Scotland remains committed to tackling sexual crimes and bringing those responsible to justice. I’d encourage anyone who has been a victim of such crimes to come forward and report it to us.

“We’ll thoroughly investigate and have specially trained officers and partner agencies to support you throughout.”

Chief Inspector Trisha Clark, Area Commander for Edinburgh City Centre, said: “We understand that crimes of this nature have a serious impact on the local community. We will continue to work closely with partners to address any such concerns in the area.”