Tag: Police Scotland

Seven face Court following derby day violence

Seven men have been arrested in connection with a large-scale disturbance in the city centre last week following the Hearts v Hibs cup clash at Tynecastle.

Following the derby game on Sunday 12th February, police received reports of disorder and violence taking place outside a pub on Brougham Place. As a result of this incident two men required treatment for facial and head injuries.

On Wednesday 22nd February officers carried out enforcement activity in the Oxgangs, Newington and Meadowbank areas of the city, as well as within Newtongrange, Ormiston and Aberfeldy. Seven men aged 16, 20, 26, 33, 33, 48 and 48 were all subsequently charged and will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow.

Chief Superintendent Kenny MacDonald, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh said: “The disorder on Brougham Place was football-related and caused a great deal ofconcern to local residents, businesses and patrons in the area.

“We will not tolerate such offences and will actively pursue anyone believed to be involved to ensure they are brought to justice.

“The vast majority of supporters of both Hearts and Hibernian are regularly a credit to their clubs and behave responsibly whenever their teams are in action. However, a small minority behave in a manner, which puts themselves and others at risk.

“The replay of the Scottish Cup match takes place tonight and we’ll have an appropriate presence in place to ensure the safety of all spectators and maintain order in and around the stadium.

“In addition, police will be assisting stewards to check for contraband items such as alcohol, weapons and flares and anyone in possession of such things will be prevented from entering the ground and may be arrested.

“Following the match, officers will be out on patrol and any offences identified will be dealt with robustly.”

 

Hunt is on for city centre police impersonators

Police in Edinburgh are investigating a series of incidents where three men have impersonated police officers.Six incidents have been reported to police, with one occurring last Friday, another on Saturday and four taking place on Monday this week.

In all cases they have targeted tourists with a view to extracting money from the victim, with two incidents resulting in the theft of money from visitors.

The first incident happened at around 1.20pm on Friday, February 3, in the Grassmarket. A Chilean man was approached by a man who asked him to take his photograph in King’s Stables Road. Both men were then approached by two male suspects claiming to be police officers who demanded to search them.

After this, the two suspects got into a silver or grey Seat hatchback and drove away. The other male who was also searched walked into the Grassmarket and was lost to sight. It was later discovered that a three figure sum of money had been stolen from the Chilean man.

The second incident happened around 5.30pm on Monday, February 13, in Market Street. Two Chinese tourists were approached by two men who showed them a form of ID and stated that they were undercover police officers. They asked to search the tourist and subsequently stole a four figure sum of cash.

There have been several descriptions given to police, however in all cases they are described as men of Southern European origin who operate in groups of either two or three.

They also deliberately target people who look like foreign national tourists and operate in tourist areas.

The other incidents have occurred in Chambers Street, Castle Street, and in the Calton Hill area.

Police Sergeant Mark Hamilton of West End Police Station said: “These men are purposely targeting tourists who are visiting the City Centre in a bid to steal money from them.

“Impersonating a police officer is not only inappropriate, it is illegal. We would advise that if you are stopped by someone claiming to be a Police Scotland officer, request their collar number and ask to see a warrant card. 

“All our officers are happy to provide this information to the public and it should be offered readily.

“I would ask that anyone with information regarding these incidents contact us immediately, and would also urge those visiting the city to be aware of this activity and report any suspicions to police.”

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

The incidents occurred as follows:

  • Friday, February 3, around 1.20pm in the Grassmarket. A three figure sum of money was taken as a result of this encounter.

  • Saturday, February 11, around 4pm, in Castle Street. Nothing was taken.

  • Monday, February 13, around 2.15pm, in the Calton Hill area. Nothing was taken.

  • Monday, February 13, around 3.25pm, outside the National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Nothing was taken.

  • Monday, February 13, around 4.50pm, in the Calton Hill area. Nothing was taken.

  • Monday, February 13, around 5.30pm, in Market Street. A four figure sum of money was taken.

Crackdown on antisocial behaviour in Hunter Square

The public toilets in Edinburgh’s Hunter Square have been closed in the latest move to tackle anti-social behaviour. The joint agreement between the City of Edinburgh Council and Police Scotland to close the toilets comes as part of a set of actions being taken forward to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area. Continue reading Crackdown on antisocial behaviour in Hunter Square

Police appeal following George Street assault

Police are appealing for witnesses following an altercation on George Street in the early hours of Sunday morning. The incident happened around 3.25am in the cobbled area in the centre of George Street and left a 26-year-old man needing hospital treatment for a head injury. Continue reading Police appeal following George Street assault