Police: Further update on Friday evenng incidents across Edinburgh

Update following incidents that happened in Edinburgh on Friday 19 June:

We recognise the concerns felt within all communities, including those who experienced and witnessed these horrific attacks, and we understand concerns may be heightened at this time. Policing and communities experience the direct impact and live time reactions to international conflicts, UK incidents and online commentary.

It is important that all communities across Scotland feel supported, protected and able to go about their daily lives without fear of hatred or intimidation.

Community cohesion is a partnership effort. Since Friday, we have engaged with over 90 multi-faith organisations and community leaders in Edinburgh and across Scotland. Local policing officers have visited businesses affected by the incident and will continue to do so. We are carrying out a community impact assessment and will closely monitor the situation to ensure the safety and well-being of all communities, and we are prepared to respond promptly to any emerging issues.

We have also been in touch with the police officers who bravely carried out the arrest on Friday, as well as speaking to other officers to offer any support they need.

A 36-year-old man was arrested and charged, and is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today. While there is no wider threat, it continues to be a live ongoing investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing Scotland, supported by local policing officers in Edinburgh and other specialist national capabilities in Scotland.

The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) has been set up to encourage members of the public to submit information directly to officers.

We would appeal to anyone with information that could assist to upload it using the online form, including those with doorbell or dashcam footage 👉

https://orlo.uk/QQGnL

Anyone impacted by the incident can access free, confidential, emotional and practical support from Victim Support Scotland 👉https://orlo.uk/x0Grk

We would urge everyone to continue to work together and ensure no person or group in Scotland feels marginalised or isolated. We are a police service for every community.

Our message is clear – there is no place for violence, hatred, or intimidation in our communities.

Thank you for your continued support.

Friday evening incidents across Edinburgh: Man charged

A 36-year-old man has been charged in connection with a number of incidents which took place across Edinburgh on Friday (19 June, 2026).

A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal, and the individual will appear at court in due course.

Edinburgh Airport incident update

Edinburgh airport has re-opened following a report to police around 6.50pm on Friday, 19 June, of potentially suspicious items.

Specialist officers attended and a cordon was put in place.

EOD attended and the items were made safe.

The incident is not being treated as suspicious.

The roads around the airport remain busy and the public are asked to be patient.

Man Arrested: Police comment on Friday evening incidents

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A 36-year old man has been arrested following a series of incidents at a number of locations across the West of Edinburgh, and Leith, during the evening of Friday, 19 June, 2026.

“Four people were injured and taken to hospital for treatment.

“Enquiries are ongoing, however, we believe there to be no further risk to the public at this time.

“Members of the public are thanked for their assistance.”

More To Follow

Edinburgh Airport evacuated as suspicious package reported

Edinburgh airport has been evacuated as a precaution following a report of a potentially suspicious package, reported around 6.50pm on Friday, 19 June, 2026.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) are in attendance and a cordon is in place around the airport with road closures in place.

Enquiries are ongoing and members of the public are advised to check ahead and contact their airline for updates.

Appeal for information following jewellery robbery 

Detectives are appealing for information after a woman was robbed of jewellery in Edinburgh.

Around 2.10pm on Sunday, 14 June, a 93-year-old woman was approached by a man on Stevenson Road and asked for directions. Another member of the public assisted with directions before leaving the area.

The man then robbed the woman of jewellery and left the area in a vehicle.

The woman was assisted by some members of the public.

The suspect is described as white – eastern European, with a tanned complexion, aged between 18 and 30-years-old, short dark hair, wearing a black short sleeved polo shirt, beige trousers and white trainers.

DC Lindsay Johnston said: “Extensive enquiries remain ongoing to trace the man responsible. Officers are gathering and examining CCTV from the area.

“I would also ask anyone with personal footage or dash-cam from the area around the time of the incident to come forward with anything which may be relevant.

“We would also like to speak with the member of the public who assisted with directions as he may be able to provide further information.”

Information should be passed to Police Scotland through 101 quoting incident number 1767 of Sunday, 14 June, 2026.

Rea more – https://orlo.uk/leEpk

Police: Antisocial behaviour and youth disorder in North Edinburgh

14 YOUNG PEOPLE IDENTIFIED

We are aware of recent concerns involving groups of young people in the Pennywell and West Granton area. Our investigations have now identified 14 young people linked to 52 offences.

They and their parents/carers have been spoken to and referrals are being made to Child Protection and Youth Justice partners.

Thank you to everyone in the community who has helped us.

We remain committed to tackling behaviour that affects your quality of life and to working with partners to support young people towards safer, more positive choices.

First Minister meets with anti-racism coalition

John Swinney: When we stand together, we make Scotland stronger

First Minister John Swinney has reaffirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to tackling racism in all its forms, following the recent disorder in Glasgow and elsewhere in Scotland. 

Meeting representatives of the Anti-Racism Coalition and the Scottish Refugee Council in Edinburgh, the First Minister pledged to work closely with Police Scotland, the third sector and other partners to ensure that people and communities are safe and swift action is taken against those who seek to intimidate and promote hatred. 

Mr Swinney sought to reassure those who are feeling anxious, targeted or unsafe. He said: “I am clear that I am First Minister for everyone in Scotland. For every community, every background, every faith, and every identity.  

“The recent disorder in Glasgow and elsewhere, following the serious incidents in Belfast and Southampton, have caused a lot of distress for many people. Violence is never acceptable, and those responsible must be held accountable to ensure the safety of all our communities. 

“My government stands firmly against hatred in all its forms. That means building trust, tackling prejudice at its roots, and strengthening the connections that bind our communities together.  

“Because when people feel heard and valued, we reduce fear. When we build trust, we weaken division. And when we stand together, we make Scotland stronger.  

“We cannot allow the actions of a small, hateful minority to define us or what we stand for. Nor we can we allow fear to take hold. Instead, we must be guided by the kind of country we know Scotland is.

“One where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, and where everyone can live safely and without fear. My government is committed to that vision and to working hand in hand with partners and communities across Scotland to deliver it.

“Through our Community Cohesion funding, New Scots funding, the Equality and Human Rights Fund, and other support for communities and groups, we are already supporting hundreds of cross-community activities.

“These projects are helping to bring people together, educate, and tackle misinformation and disinformation, ultimately building stronger communities where people feel safe.”

Chief Executive of Scottish Refugee Council Sabir Zazai said: “Everyone has the right to feel safe.

“Last week we saw violence in our streets and people being targeted because of the colour of their skin. Irresponsible language, toxic narratives and repeated falsehoods are causing real-life harm to innocent people.

“It is vital that we name racism and call out misinformation when we see it. We need to see the Scottish Government lead the way by investing in cohesion and ensuring people seeking safety and the communities who welcome them have the infrastructure and support they need to thrive.”

Four men charged after lorry crashed into house in Edinburgh

Four men have been arrested and charged in connection with culpable and reckless conduct following a police operation yesterday – Thursday, 18 June.

It follows an investigation into an incident on Tuesday, 26 May, 2026, when a lorry crashed into a house on Brand Drive in Edinburgh. No-one was injured in the incident.

In the early hours of Thursday morning, officers from various departments and policing divisions executed warrants across East Ayrshire.

Six properties were searched by police in the Kilmarnock and Darvel areas resulting in the arrests and seizure of items in connection with the incident.

The men, aged 24, 31, 39 and 41 are due to appear before Edinburgh Sheriff Court today – Friday, 19 June, 2026.

Detective Inspector Gavin Howat said: “Criminality affects the lives of local people on a daily basis. Operations such as these disrupt criminal activity as well as addressing the concerns raised by local people.

” I would like to reassure everyone that we will continue with our proactive, preventative approach to tackle crime and its associated impact.”

Man sentenced following attempted murder in Lochend

A 31-year-old man has been sentenced to more than six years for attempted murder and other offences at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Lewis Burns pleaded guilty in May this year to assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement and attempted murder.

It follows an investigation into an incident which occurred on Tuesday, 3 February, 2026, when police were called to a report of a collision involving a pedestrian and a vehicle on Lochend Drive.

Detective Inspector Gavin Howat said: “Burns deliberately drove at his victim not once but twice. He used his car as a weapon that day and he is now facing the consequences of his actions.

“I hope today’s outcome affords the victim a degree of justice as they continue to move forward with their life.”

Burns was also banned from driving for more than eight years.