POLICE are investigating complaints of serious sexual offending by an officer who died in May this year and appealing for victims to come forward.
Alan Greer, 47, was arrested on 24 April, 2026, after searches of a property in Wishaw. A number of electronic devices were seized during the search and enquiries into the contents of these are continuing.
On Wednesday, 6 May, 2026, officers were called to the same property where Mr Greer was found deceased. There were no suspicious circumstances.
The circumstances of the death following police contact are subject of a Crown-directed investigation by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner.
A significant investigation was launched at the end of 2025 after a complaint was received relating to a non-recent serious sexual assault being carried out by an unidentified officer.
Extensive enquiries were carried out by detectives from the Anti-Corruption Unit to identify the officer and Alan Greer was arrested.
Further investigations have identified a number of victims of serious sexual offending by Alan Greer, who are now being supported by specialist officers and partner agencies.
Assistant Chief Constable Lynn Ratcliff, Professionalism and Assurance, said: “My thoughts, firstly, are with the victims in this case who have spoken up and reported these allegations, as well as with Alan Greer’s family, friends and colleagues who have been deeply affected by these reports and his death.
“The investigation into this matter is one of the largest and most complex enquiries ever undertaken by the Anti-Corruption Unit and significant work is ongoing to fully ascertain the extent of offending and identify and support as many victims as possible.
“Clearly Alan Greer cannot stand trial for these allegations of serious violent sexual offending, including attempted murder, but this investigation is about identifying and supporting potential victims, giving them a voice, and establishing the full circumstances.
“It is essential that members of the public, victims, and witnesses, feel confident speaking with the police and know the overwhelming majority of our officers serve with professionalism and integrity to protect people, investigate matters, and bring offenders to justice.
“I would encourage anyone with any information or who may be a victim in this case to please come forward and speak to us. You will be listened to and given the support you need.
“In recent years, and advanced by Lady Elish Angiolini’s review of Complaints Handling, Investigations and Misconduct Issues published in 2020, there has been a Scotland-wide focus on police ethics, conduct and scrutiny.
“Police Scotland has fully engaged with a range of developments and our commitment to safeguarding policing’s integrity has never been stronger.”
Anyone with information or who thinks they may have been a victim in this case, is asked to please contact the enquiry team.
This can be done via email at OperationSubmarine@scotland.police.uk, or by telephone. A dedicated mobile number with text facility has been established – 07484 438 539. A landline for the enquiry team, with voicemail facility, is also available – 0300 426 6644.
To find out more about police complaints, including how to make a complaint, visit the Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service, run by Crimestoppers.
Concerns relating to allegations of corruption or serious abuse can be reported to the service by calling 0800 085 00 00 or via the Crimestoppers website.
If you have a mental health need or thoughts of self-harm, help is available:
An 85-year-old woman has died after being struck by a car in Edinburgh.
The incident happened around 3.40pm on Monday, 20 July, 2026, outside the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh on Little France Crescent and involved a red Peugeot 208 and two pedestrians.
The woman died in hospital during the morning of Thursday, 23 July, 2026.
An 88-year-old man remains in hospital for treatment to serious injuries.
No other injuries were reported.
Enquiries remain ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2205 of 20 July, 2026.
Police Scotland declares major incident as emergency services respond to wildfire near Nethy Bridge
Police Scotland has declared a major incident as emergency services continue to respond to the ongoing wildfire within the Cairngorms National Park.
The decision follows a significant change in weather conditions, with strengthening winds contributing to increased unpredictable fire behaviour and the spread of the wildfire towards Nethy Bridge.
As a precaution, all residents of Nethy Bridge are being evacuated to allow emergency services to continue their operational response safely and effectively. Residents are being directed to a dedicated respite centre at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort and access roads into Nethy Bridge have been closed.
Superintendent Judy Hill, Police Scotland, said: “The weather conditions experienced within the Cairngorms over the last 24 hours have added further complexities to this situation. With evidence suggesting the fire is spreading towards Nethy Bridge, the decision has been taken to declare a major incident and evacuate residents as a precaution.
“Additional police resources are being deployed to assist in contacting those who need to leave their properties and to maintain cordons around restricted areas while our fire service colleagues continue to tackle the wildfire.
“We understand this is a very concerning time for residents, businesses and visitors to the Cairngorms region. Please be assured that the multi-agency response remains fully committed to bringing this incident to a safe conclusion as quickly as possible.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has maintained a significant operational response since the wildfire was first reported on Wednesday, 15 July.
More than 500 firefighters have been mobilised over the course of the incident, alongside specialist wildfire appliances, all-terrain vehicles, helicopter water-bombing operations and partner agencies.
Firefighters continue to work across a vast and challenging landscape alongside Forestry and Land Scotland, the Cairngorms National Park Authority, landowners, estate gamekeepers and emergency service partners.
Their expertise, local knowledge and support have been instrumental in helping crews respond to this complex and dynamic incident.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour said: “Our firefighters, specialist resources and partners have worked tirelessly over the past nine days to respond to this challenging and complex wildfire incident.
“The combination of prolonged dry conditions, strengthening winds and challenging terrain has created an extremely complex operational environment. Large areas of the fire ground are inaccessible by vehicle or on foot, making helicopter water-bombing operations and specialist wildfire tactics essential to our response.
“Throughout this incident, partnership working has been fundamental. I would like to thank Forestry and Land Scotland, the Cairngorms National Park Authority, landowners, estate gamekeepers and our emergency service partners, whose expertise, local knowledge and continued support have been invaluable in helping us protect communities and the natural environment.
“More than 500 firefighters have been mobilised since the incident began, supported by specialist wildfire appliances, all-terrain vehicles, helicopters and partner agencies. We will continue to maintain a significant operational response for as long as it is required.
“We recognise this is an extremely worrying time for those affected, particularly residents who have been asked to leave their homes. Public safety remains our absolute priority, and we ask everyone to continue following the advice of Police Scotland and to stay away from the affected areas while firefighting operations remain ongoing.”
Members of the public should continue to avoid the affected areas within the Cairngorms National Park. The area remains unsafe due to active firefighting operations, rapidly changing fire conditions and helicopter activity.
The following areas remain closed or subject to access restrictions:
• Paths around Glenmore, Loch Morlich and Badaguish. • Low-level routes including the Old Logging Way and routes providing access to Cairngorm Mountain, the Northern Corries, Meall A’ Bhuachaille, the Green Loch (Lochan Uaine), Strath Nethy and Bynack More. • Paths within Abernethy Forest to the south of Forest Lodge towards Ryvoan Bothy. Residents are urged to follow all advice issued by Police Scotland and emergency services.
Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) met last night to discuss the evacuation of Nethy Bridge after Police Scotland declared the Cairngorms National Park wildfire a major incident.
The meeting was chaired by First Minister John Swinney and attended by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Police Scotland, Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth, Justice Secretary Neil Gray and other Ministers and partners.
The First Minister said: “This is clearly a very serious situation and is a hugely concerning and anxious time for residents and businesses in Nethy Bridge, and my thoughts are with them.
“As a result of changes in wind conditions that intensified the pace of spread of the wildfire, Police Scotland declared a major incident requiring the evacuation of the village of Nethy Bridge as a precaution.
“SFRS resources are focussed on creating a fire break and additional police resources are being deployed to assist with the evacuation, including identifying vulnerable residents who may need extra support. Residents are being directed to a respite centre in Aviemore, where Highland Council can provide support and advice.
“I am extremely grateful to all the first responders who have been working hard to control this fire since it was first reported last Wednesday. I remain in continued contact with SFRS and partners and SGORR will convene again.
“This is a serious situation and I strongly urge people to continue to follow all advice from emergency services and transport authorities and continue to avoid the affected areas in the Cairngorms National Park.”
SATURDAY 25 JULY UPDATE
Resilience Room reconvenes to discuss ongoing incident
The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) reconvened this morning at 7am to review the position on the Cairngorms National Park wildfire.
The meeting was chaired by First Minister John Swinney and attended by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Police Scotland, other partners, Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth and Justice Secretary Neil Gray.
A precautionary evacuation of Nethy Bridge began on Friday 24 July 2026 after Police Scotland declared a major incident following changes in wind conditions that intensified the pace of spread of the wildfire.
A fire break around the village was established overnight, new fire breaks are being constructed and SFRS is deploying additional resources.
The First Minister said: “This continues to be a very serious situation. Residents, businesses and people staying in the affected areas will understandably be very worried. My thoughts are with them and I thank them for their understanding.
“With the fire changing to be in the direction of Nethy Bridge yesterday afternoon, a precautionary evacuation was put in place and a fire break was successfully established overnight to protect the village. Police officers visited all properties in Nethy Bridge and officers are in the village today to support residents.
“The wind has changed direction overnight, which means the track of the fire has altered once again and the threat to Nethy Bridge has reduced, for the moment at least. Ground and helicopter resources are being focused on the current path of the fire and new fire breaks constructed.
“This demonstrates how these situations can change very quickly and dramatically, reflecting the challenges being faced by SFRS and the other responders tackling this wildfire. It does not mean however that anyone should return to that area until they have been given the go-ahead to do so. Further decisions will be taken later today by the Local Resilience Partnership and the Scottish Government Resilience Room will also reconvene.
“I remain extremely grateful to the emergency services and all those involved who are working tirelessly to control this fire and support local residents. I reiterate the message that people in the area must follow the advice of emergency services and the Cairngorms National Park – it is essential people avoid the affected areas.”
South West Community Policing Team (SWCPT) officers have been carrying out a shoplifting initiative with plain clothes patrols concentrating on the Gorgie, Dalry and Chesser areas:
A 35 year old male was arrested on 15 outstanding warrants and charged with 23 shoplifting offences.
A 34 year old female was arrested on 3 warrants and charged with 26 shoplifting offences.
A 24 year old male was arrested and charged with 9 shoplifting offences and an offence under the Protection of Retail Workers Act.
A 45 year old male was arrested and charged with a shoplifting offence having attempted to sell his stolen alcohol to a local pub. The pub refused to buy it from him.
A 26 year old male and female were both reported for a theft shoplifting and males aged 19, 20 and 35 were all given Recorded Police Warnings for shoplifting offences.
A man has been charged in connection with the death of 44-year-old Vikki Soloman in Edinburgh.
Around 8.45pm on Monday, 20 July, emergency services were called to a property in Craigievar Square in the city and Vikki was found with serious injuries and pronounced dead at the scene.
The 46-year-old man was arrested a short time later and has now been charged.
He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow – Thursday, 23 July, 2026.
POLICE are appealing for information after two pedestrians were struck by a car at Little France.
The incident happened around 3.40pm on Monday, 20 July, 2026, outside the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh on Little France Crescent and involved a red Peugeot 208.
The two pedestrians, an 85-year-old woman and an 88-year-old man, remain in a critical condition.
No other injuries were reported.
Sergeant Paul Ewing said: “I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident and has yet to speak to officers to please come forward.
“I’d also ask those with dash-cam footage who may have been parked or driving into the area at the time to please review this to see if it has captured anything that could assist with our investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2205 of 20 July, 2026.
Two people have been arrested and charged after a man was found with serious injuries in Edinburgh.
The 43-year-old man was discovered unresponsive in a garden in Whitson Road around 9.30pm on Friday, 17 July, 2026.
He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he remains in a critical condition.
A 24-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
Both are due to appear before Edinburgh Sheriff Court today Tuesday, 21 July, 2026.
Detective Chief Inspector Jonny Wright said: “Incidents of this nature can understandably cause concern amongst the local community and officers remain in the area to provide reassurance.
“We’d like to thank members of the public for their assistance during our investigation.”
POLICE officers engaged with seven motorcyclists as part of a new safety initiative aimed to reduce rider harmat the weekend.
The rider reflection and safety initiative in the Lothian and Scottish Borders began trial on Saturday, 18 July, and saw drone technology used to support engagement with the motorcycling community and help reduce rider harm.
Within clearly signposted areas, drones were used to support officers in engaging with riders who may benefit from constructive conversations around safer riding choices.
Riders were offered the opportunity to review their footage to reflect on their behaviours that may increase risk on the road.
The initiative follows data published last year by Transport Scotland showing that 18% of all road fatalities were a motorcycle rider or passenger, despite motorcycles only being estimated to account for less than 1% of traffic in Scotland.
During the trial deployment, seven riders were approached and given the opportunity to speak with officers.
Two riders were given warnings re speed and two were issued with vehicle defect forms.
Chief Inspector Greg Burns, East Area Commander for Road policing, said: “The use of drone technology to support rider engagement has been used by other UK forces as part of wider efforts to reduce those killed or seriously injured on the road.
“Our specially trained and experienced motorcycle officers will use the new initiative to start conversations and offer expert advice to riders. This is to help encourage positive reflection and to highlight additional rider training opportunities that are available.
“The focus here is awareness and education. We want to support riders to think more carefully about high-risk manoeuvres such as unsafe overtaking, as well as excessive speed through bends and junctions.
“We continue to remind all road users to be responsible on our roads. We all have a role to play in making sure everyone returns home safely.”
The initiative is being piloted within the Lothian and Scottish Borders divisional area, providing an opportunity to evaluate and inform future road safety activity as part of Police Scotland’s national motorcycle safety campaign.
A man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison following a series of sexual and violent offences in East Lothian and Elgin.
Christopher Malcolm was sentenced to 16 years in prison and placed on the sex offenders register at Edinburgh High Court on Friday (17 July, 2026).
He was previously convicted of the crimes, including rape and assault to injury and endangerment of life, against four women between 2010 and 2024 on 16 June, 2026, following a trail at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Detective Sergeant Jade Wardell said: “Malcolm subjected four women to years of horrific abuse, causing lasting trauma and having a profound impact on their lives.
“I would like to acknowledge the support provided by all victims throughout the investigation and court process, which has ultimately led to his conviction.
“Violence and abuse of any kind have no place in society and we remain committed to supporting victims and bringing those responsible to justice.
“I would encourage anyone who has experienced sexual abuse or violence to report it to police. Every report will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.”
