Arsa Farahbakhsh, who was reported missing in Edinburgh, has been traced safe and well.
POLICE are appealing for the assistance of the public to help trace Arsa Farahbakhsh, 17, who has been missing from Edinburgh since Wednesday, 11 September 2024.
Arsa, who is originally from Iran and only recently came to Scotland, is 5ft in height and has long red/auburn hair. It is not known what she is wearing.
Inspector Paul Thomson, Police Scotland, Edinburgh, said: “Arsa was last seen in the Calder Gardens area of Edinburgh around 3.45pm on Wednesday, 11 September. It is thought she intended to travel to Glasgow where we believe she has associates in the Partick and Maryhill areas.
“Arsa was spoken to at 2pm on Thursday but since then there have been no sightings of her nor further contact.
“Officers have been checking CCTV in the area since she was reported missing and are liaising with colleagues in Glasgow in an effort to trace her.
“We all just want to make sure she is safe and well and so would ask anyone who knows where she is to contact police.
“We’d also appeal to Arsa herself to get come back as soon as possible.”
Information can be passed to officers via 101. Please quote incident number 0134 of Thursday, 12 September 2024 when calling.
A pilot scheme aimed at giving young people in the East End of Glasgow life skills and reducing youth violence in the area has been hailed a success by those taking part.
Teenagers, aged between 13 and 16 years have been involved in a ‘10 week Create Your Own PAFS’ (Police, Ambulance, Fire Service) programme since July to build their confidence and develop the skills to make the best possible choices.
The event was co-ordinated by Constable Laura MacDonald who was inspired by a youth programme whilst serving in the fire service prior to joining Police Scotland. She also enlisted the help of colleagues from the Scottish Ambulance Service and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to make it as informative as possible.
Working together, the services developed mock scenarios of real-life emergency situations, such as road traffic collisions, search and rescue, trauma, first aid and the use of defibrillators, and young people were invited to take on the various roles of blue light personnel to learn more about how each service responds.
The young people also completed elements of the three services fitness tests familiarising them with the fitness entry requirements.
Also included in the programme were inputs surrounding valuing diversity and inclusion, drug awareness, road safety, water safety, online safety and group discussions on relevant up to date topics.
Constable MacDonald said: “Our main aim was to break down the barriers between the teenagers and emergency services as often the only contact people have with us is in moments of crisis or when something has gone wrong.
“The pilot scheme was designed as a Tri-Service programme and shows what each service does and encourages the young people to take part in various time critical challenges which helps them understand how important it is to remain calm in a crisis whilst building their communication skills.
“The feedback from the young people taking part and their parents or guardians has been so encouraging and positive. They’ve said they all enjoyed the experience and felt it was successful in testing their social skills in unfamiliar environments. Participants have really had a confidence boost and some have made plans to join other similar volunteer groups.”
Those who took part received a certificate acknowledging their hard work and commitment to the programme and also a further certificate for CPR, which was one of the focal points during the 10-week programme.
Constable MacDonald concluded: “This has been a tremendous experience for me and my emergency service colleagues and I am grateful for the support of management within Police Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
“I am so proud of everyone who took part and hope to be able to replicate this in the division again in the near future.”
POLICE are becoming increasingly concerned for the wellbeing of Bonnie Bradley, 13, who’s missing from Leith.
Bonnie is white, 5ft5 in height, of average build and has long brown hair. It is not known what she is wearing.
Inspector Quentin Russell, Police Scotland, Edinburgh, said: “We have been making extensive enquiries since Bonnie was reported missing but so far she has not been traced.
“There was a possible sighting of her getting on a No 11 bus on Ferry Road, Leith between 2pm and 3pm on Friday, 13 September, but that has yet to be confirmed.
“We believe she is still in the Edinburgh area and may be staying with someone she knows but again, as she is only 13-year-old, we need to make sure she is safe and well.
“She has not been away from family for this length of time hence our and her family’s concern.
“If you have any information on Bonnie’s whereabouts please call police via 101 quoting incident number 0771 of 11 of September 2024.
“We’d also urge Bonne to return home or get in touch with police as soon as possible.”
Two men have been convicted following the death of a 59-year-old man in Leith.
The body of Garry O’Neill was found in a flat on Primrose Street on Tuesday, 6 June, 2023.
At the High Court in Edinburgh today – Monday, 9 September, 2024 – Jamie Boulton, aged 55, was found guilty of murder following the death of Mr O’Neill.
Nathan Boulton (above), aged 49, was found guilty of attempting to defeat the ends of justice.
They will be sentenced at a later date.
Detective Inspector Kevin Tait, senior investigating officer, said: “Our thoughts are with Mr O’Neill’s family and friends and we hope that the result in court brings them a degree of closure.
“This was a deliberate act that ended in a death and Jamie Boulton will now face the consequences of his actions that day.
“His brother Nathan Boulton, now faces justice after he tried to conceal what happened.
“We would like to thank the public for their assistance and support during our investigation.
“Violence is not acceptable in our society and Police Scotland will use all the tools it has to investigate and bring those intent on committing crime and harm in our communities to justice.”
POLICE officers are issuing a warning over the sale of motorbikes online following a number of thefts in the West Lothian area.
Recently we have received reports of motorbikes for sale on social media selling pages being taken for test drives and not returned.
Constable Grant Hillhouse, Livingston Police Station, said: “There has been an increase recently in the number of thefts reported of motorbikes being sold online.
“Typically this involves the potential buyer asking to take the bike for a test drive and not returning or paying for it.
“I’d urge anyone looking to sell online to ensure every precaution is taken to ensure the security of their property.”
You can find more advice on staying safe online and online shopping on our website:
POLICEare appealing for information following a serious crash in Edinburgh yesterday (Saturday, 7 September, 2024).
Around 2.10pm officers were called to the collision involving a white van and a pedestrian on The Wisp.
The pedestrian, a 31-year-old woman, was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where she remains in a serious but stable condition.
The van failed to stop and was seen making off in the direction of Old Dalkeith Road and Ferniehill Drive.
The road was closed while investigations were carried out and reopened around 6.15pm.
Enquiries are ongoing to trace the van and driver and officers are appealing for witnesses.
Road Policing Constable Andrew Crothers said: “It’s vital we trace the van involved in this incident and I’m appealing to the public for help.
“Were you in the area at the time and witnessed what happened? Did you see a white van in the Old Dalkeith Road or Ferniehill Drive areas? If so, please come forward.
“I’m also appealing to anyone with a dashcam, private CCTV or doorbell cameras to please review your footage and bring anything you think may be of significance to our attention.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 1978 of 7 September. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A man arrested by detectives investigating the disappearance of Khasha Smith has been charged.
Khasha, of Edinburgh, was last seen to be safe and well on a FaceTime call on Tuesday, 10 October, 2023, aged 35.
Following extensive enquiries, Khasha is believed to be dead. However, her body is yet to be found.
A 39-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with her death. He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 9 September, 2024.
Khasha’s family have been made aware and have asked that their privacy is respected.
Detective Chief Inspector Bob Williamson, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, is appealing to the public for information.
He said: “Our thoughts remain with Khasha’s family at this extremely difficult time and they continue to be supported by specialist officers.
“They are understandably devastated and it is vital we get answers for them.
“Extensive enquiries remain ongoing to trace Khasha and I would again encourage anyone with any information regarding her disappearance to contact police, as a matter of urgency.
“Any piece of information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, could prove vital, so please get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 3915 of 5 January 2024.
Alternatively information can be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Detectives investigating the disappearance of Khasha Smith have arrested a man as they continue to appeal for information.
Khasha, of Edinburgh, was last seen to be safe and well on a FaceTime call on Tuesday, 10 October, 2023, aged 35.
Following extensive enquiries, Khasha is believed to be dead. However, her body is yet to be found.
A 39-year-old man has today, Friday, 6 September, 2024, been arrested in connection with her death and enquiries are ongoing.
Khasha’s family have been made aware and have asked that their privacy is respected.
Detective Chief Inspector Bob Williamson, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, is appealing to the public for information.
He said: “Our thoughts are very much with Khasha’s family at this extremely difficult time and they continue to be supported by specialist officers.
“They are understandably devastated and it is vital we get answers for them.
“Extensive enquiries remain ongoing to trace Khasha and I would again encourage anyone with any information regarding her disappearance to contact police, as a matter of urgency.
“Any piece of information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, could prove vital, so please get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 3915 of 5 January 2024.
Alternatively information can be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Former Scotland rugby star Scott Hastings has confirmed his wife Jenny has been missing since disappearing while wild swimming at Wardie Bay on Tuesday afternoon.
HM Coastguard was alerted to Jenny Hastings’ disappearance shortly before 3pm but despite a swift and thorough response by emergency services she could not be found. The search was stood down on Tuesday evening.
Jenny Hastings has struggled with her mental health for a number of years and police are treating the incident as a ‘high risk missing person case’.
Astatement issued on behalf of the family says:
The Hastings family are absolutely heart broken.
Jenny and Scott have a huge following of friends from all walks of life including those that work in the media and we ask that at this moment in time we are allowed to grieve privately with family members.
For the time being we request that you hold off from messaging us directly and/or posting on any social media until further news.
We know that you all care for us deeply and as soon as we hear any update from the police we will advise you accordingly.
We miss our Jenny. She leaves a gaping hole in all our hearts and hope that she is returned to us safely so that we can celebrate her remarkable life.
