Police Scotland – Page 4 – The NEN

Major investigation into criminal incidents in Edinburgh continues

POSSIBLE LINK TO THIRD INCIDENT NOW BEING INVESTIGATED

The major investigation into the discharge of firearms and associated criminal incidents in Edinburgh is continuing.

A team of detectives, along with specialist and divisional officers, are working on this inquiry. Significant CCTV footage has also been collected which is being scrutinised and officers continue to gather additional information via door-to-door enquiries.

On Saturday afternoon, officers conducted road and vehicle checks in the Ferry Road, Niddrie and Pennywell areas. These road checks will continue as part of the ongoing investigation.

A report of a suspicious fire in Hay Drive today – Sunday, 23 March – is now also being investigated.

Superintendent Paul Gillespie said: “We understand this will be concerning for local communities, but I want to reassure everyone that we are pursuing those involved and are using every tool and tactic at our disposal.

“We are taking strong action to disrupt this criminal activity and a lot of work, which may not always be visible, is ongoing. Additional officers are currently deployed to specifically target criminals and disrupt their activities.

“Extensive enquiries are ongoing into a number of incidents in Edinburgh. From our investigations so far, we believe these are linked to groups who are actively targeting each other.

“The local division and senior management are being provided with support from our national Specialist Crime Division and Operational Support Division.

“We are carrying out additional high-visibility patrols and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to approach these officers.

“We understand the significant impact this has had on the local community and I would like to thank everyone for their help so far.

“Finding those who carried out these reckless acts is paramount. If you know anything that could help, please do the right thing and speak to police.”

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.

Have you seen Toni? Appeal to trace woman reported missing in Penicuik

Police in Midlothian are appealing for the public’s help to trace 29-year-old Toni McNelis, who has been reported missing from Penicuik.

Toni was last seen around midnight on Friday, 14 March, in the Edinburgh Road area of the town.

She is described as being around 5ft 4in tall, of slim build, with long blonde hair. It is not known what she was wearing.

Toni may have travelled to the Glasgow area and also has links to Edinburgh.

Constable Stuart Neal said: “We are becoming increasingly concerned for Toni’s welfare and are working to trace her as soon as possible.

“Her family and friends are extremely worried and just want to know she is safe and well.

“Anyone who has seen Toni or knows where she might be to contact police as soon as possible.

“I would also appeal directly to Toni – if you see this, please get in touch to let us know you’re okay.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1545 of 20 March.

Police believe West Pilton incident was ‘targeted attack’

Detectives are appealing for information after a firearm was discharged at a property in Edinburgh.

Around 7.55am on Friday, 21 March 2025, officers received a report of a firearm possibly being discharged in West Pilton Bank.

Officers attended and there were no reports of any injuries.

From investigations carried out so far, officers believe this was a targeted attack and extensive enquiries are ongoing.

Detective Inspector Alison MacDonald said: “It is imperative that we trace whoever is responsible for this dangerous act as soon as possible. I would urgently appeal to anyone with information to please get in contact with us.

“We believe this incident may be linked to groups who are actively targeting each other and extensive enquiries are ongoing into this line of investigation.

“We have a dedicated team who are trawling CCTV footage and carrying out door-to-door enquiries.

“I would be keen to hear from anyone in area who has dash cam, private CCTV or doorbell footage from Thursday night into Friday morning.

“There will continue to be a police presence in the area while our investigation is ongoing.”

Superintendent Paul Gillespie said: “Thankfully no one was injured in this incident but I understand this will be very worrying for the people living in this community.

“Officers will remain the area and I would ask anyone with any concerns to speak to us.

“I want to reassure the local community we are fully committed to tracing the person responsible as soon as possible.

“If you have any information or footage that can assist our investigation, please get in touch.”

Anyone with any information can contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting 0562 of Friday, 21 March, 2025 or alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

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Road closure following police incident in West Pilton Bank

Around 7.55am this morning (Friday, 21 March), Police received a report of a firearm possibly being discharged at a property in West Pilton Bank, Edinburgh.

Officers are in attendance and there are no reports of any injuries.

Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances and a significant police presence will remain in the area.

Road closures are in place at West Pilton Road and Pennywell Road and we are asking people to avoid the area.

Inspector Alan Healy said: “We understand this incident will be very worrying for the people living in this community and would ask anyone with any concerns to speak to us.

“Enquiries are at an early stage and officers will remain in the area while we carry out investigations and I would urge anyone with questions or concerns to approach them – they are there to help.”

Anyone with any information can contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting 0562 of Friday, 21 March, 2025.

Detectives appeal for information after firearm discharged in Niddrie

Detectives are appealing for information after a firearm was discharged at a property in Niddrie.

Around 3.05am on Thursday, 20 March, 2025, officers received a report of a firearm possibly being discharged in Niddrie Marischal Crescent.

Officers attended and there were no reports of any injuries.

Extensive enquiries remain ongoing, including door-to-door enquiries and CCTV trawl.

Detective Inspector Martin Smith said: “We believe this was a targeted attack and are following a number of lines of enquiry.

“A dedicated team of officers are working to trace whoever is responsible for this reckless act as quickly as possible.

“From our enquiries so far, we believe this incident may be linked to groups who are actively targeting each other.

“We understand this incident will be concerning for the local community but please be assured we are working hard to trace those involved.”

A white BMW 1 series car was seen in the area around the time the firearm was discharged and officers are keen to anyone who may have seen this vehicle.

Around 4.30am on Thursday, 20 March, 2025, a vehicle was found in Main Street in the Dalmeny area of Edinburgh.

Enquiries are ongoing to establish if the vehicle is linked to the incident in Niddrie Marischal Crescent.

The vehicle has been uplifted and a forensic examination will take place in due course.

Detective Inspector Smith added: “We would urge anyone with information on this car, or anyone with dash-cam, doorbell footage or personal footage, to review it and get in touch with officers.

“I am keen to hear from anyone who saw the car in Niddrie Marischal Crescent or the Dalmeny area.

“Please think back – did you see this car? Or did you see anything suspicious in the area around the time?

“If you have any information at all, please contact us.

“Plain-clothed and uniform officers will remain in the area while our investigations continue.

“Anyone with any concerns, or any information, can approach these officers.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101 quoting incident number 0281 of Thursday, 20 March, 2025 or alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Operation Branchform: Peter Murrell charged with embezzlement

Former SNP chief Executive Peter Murrell has appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court charged with embezzlement. He made no plea during a private hearing and was granted bail.

Operation Branchform is a Police Scotland investigation into possible fundraising fraud in the Scottish National Party. The investigation was launched in July 2021.

POLICE SCOTLAND STATEMENT:

‘Following direction from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, criminal enquiries into two people arrested as part of the investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party have now concluded.

‘The 73 year-old man arrested on 18 April, 2023, and the 54 year-old woman arrested on 11 June, 2023, have not been charged and are no longer under investigation.’

The two individuals are believed to be former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie and former SNP leader and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, both of whom were questioned by police during Branchform investigations.

Have you seen Taylor?

TEENAGER MISSING FROM GRANTON AREA

POLICE are appealing for information to help trace a missing teenager from the Granton area.

Taylor Russell, 18, was last seen around 4.15pm on Thursday, 13 March, 2025, in the West Granton Road area.

He is described as white, 5ft 3in tall, of slim build, with short brown hair. He usually wears a baseball cap and hooded sweatshirts. Taylor has connections in the Edinburgh and Dumfries areas and could have travelled there.

Inspector Kris Harvey, of Drylaw Police Station said: “We are becoming increasingly concerned for Taylor’s welfare and want to ensure he is safe and well.

“We are asking anyone who may have seen him since last Thursday, or who has any information on his whereabouts, to get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number1268 of 15 March.

Appeal to trace missing Edinburgh man last seen in Dunkeld

Police have released an image of a 47-year-old man reported missing from Edinburgh and ask for the help of the public in tracing him.

Coen Bust was last seen getting off a train at Dunkeld Train Station at 10.18am on Thursday, 13 March, 2025. He had left Edinburgh Waverley Station at 8.30am.

He is described as of heavy build with a long, greying beard.

He was last seen wearing a mustard-coloured jacket and carrying a large rucksack and a red/orange metal water bottle.

Inspector Alison Lawrie, Drylaw Police Station, said: “We want to trace Coen Bust as quickly as possible and I would ask anyone with any information to please contact Police Scotland.

“I am also appealing directly to Mr Bust himself to get in touch with the police.”

If you can help, please call Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 2616 of Thursday, 13 March, 2025.

Telfer Subway incident: Police release CCTV image

POLICE have released a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak to as part of an ongoing investigation into a robbery at Telfer Subway, Edinburgh which occurred around 5.30pm on Friday, 14 February, 2025.

The man is white, aged between 18 and 26 years old, with a medium build and wearing a navy-blue tracksuit.

If anyone can identify the man then please do get in touch.

White man wearing a blue hooded jacket. He is wearing a black scarf, concealing the lower half of his face.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2667 of 14 February. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.