Police Scotland is appealing for information following unprecedented levels of violence directed at officers and other emergency service workers from Bonfire Night disorder.
On Sunday, 5 November, 2023, there were several serious disturbances that required a response from specially trained public order officers.
In Edinburgh officers received reports of a large group of youths and adults gathering in the Hay Avenue area in Niddrie around 4.40pm. Around 50 youths were throwing fireworks at vehicles and buildings.
When officers arrived they came under attack from youths throwing fireworks, petrol bombs and other projectiles. Four officers sustained minor injuries but did not require hospital treatment.
There is a continued police presence in the Niddrie area and enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible.
For disorder in Edinburgh there is a Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) that allows members of the public to send information directly to the police that can be accessed here.
Around 9.05pm officers were called to a report of around 20 youths fighting and throwing fireworks at one another within in the Quarrywood Avenue area of Barmulloch in Glasgow.
Four people, including a police officer, were taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary for treatment.
Enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible. There is a continued police presence in the area and anyone with any concerns can approach these officers.
We have also set up a Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) for Glasgow that allows members of the public to send information directly to the police that can be accessed here.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam said: “Last night we experienced significant disorder, in particular in the Niddrie area of Edinburgh, and in the Quarrywood Avenue area of Glasgow.
“Our priority during the disorder was to protect our communities and our emergency workers, and now we are looking to carry on our police work and use the evidence we gathered to carry out the necessary arrests.
“The level of disorder we faced was unacceptable and looking at the evidence we have already gathered, we don’t believe this incident was spontaneous. Although many of those involved were youths, there were undoubtedly adults involved in orchestrating that behaviour.
“We took a robust stance and I am proud of the courage, discipline and professionalism that officers showed in the face of the violence last night.
“A number of our officers sustained minor physical injuries, however we are also aware of the mental impact that dealing with such significant levels of violence/disorder can have and will continue to support all officers affected. Nobody deserves to be injured in this way for doing their job. An emergency worker is also someone’s son, daughter, husband or wife.
“If anyone has any information that can help us in our investigation then please contact 101, or send it in via the respective portal link.”
In addition, anyone with any information that can assist officers is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 or make a call to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Following the decision of the Policy and Sustainability Committee on October 24, 2023 it was agreed that the Council and Police Scotland would issue a joint statement for Islamophobia Awareness Month.
Joint statement from Councillor Cammy Day, Leader of City of Edinburgh Council, and Edinburgh Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Sean Scott from Police Scotland:
‘Edinburgh is characterised and strengthened by its diversity across our communities, and we remain committed to ensuring that the Capital remains a safe, tolerant, and welcoming city for all.
‘We are unequivocal in our condemnation of all prejudice and intolerance – neither of which have any place here in Edinburgh or across our society.
‘We acknowledge the impact of hate incidents and crimes on victims, their families, and wider communities and will work together with them to tackle Islamophobia and all other forms of hate crime.
‘We will continue to work with groups who have lived experience of Islamophobia, and we will use their insights to further inform our work. Engagement with these communities is rightly at the heart of our approach to tackling discrimination and reassuring our residents.
‘We know that hate crime is under-reported and we are working closely with victims, communities, and partners to build confidence in the process and its outcomes. If you are affected by hate or know of someone who is, please report it. Find out about the different ways to report hate incidents.
‘Within both our own organisations, we are fully committed to broadening our understanding of Islam and combatting Islamophobia through a range of learning and development activities, such as community visits, webinars, and workshops.
‘Please get in touch if you need our help or if you would like to work with us on stamping Islamophobia out once and for all.’
This week marks the start of Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM) 2023, which aims to raise awareness of Islamophobia and its prevalence in Scotland.
Figures show that many people are still subject to Islamophobic abuse, which can include harassment, hate speech, violent attacks, religious profiling and being prejudiced against Muslims. IAM seeks to demonstrate the effect of Islamophobia and how it can be tackled, in addition to the positive contributions of Muslims in the UK.
The Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Challenging Racial & Religious Prejudice recently received an update on its 2021 inquiry into Islamophobia in Scotland.
The 2021 inquiry found that 75% of Muslims say that Islamophobia is a regular or everyday issue in Scottish society. 78% of Muslims in Scotland believed that Islamophobia was getting worse, which rose to 82% of Muslim respondents with a Glasgow postcode.
Over 80% of all Muslim respondents to the survey have a friend or family member who has experienced Islamophobia.
The update received by the CPG earlier this week re-launched the Islamophobia Inquiry recommendations, with Convener Foysol Choudhury MSP highlighting that Islamophobia is still a prevalent issue in Scotland and that key recommendations such as improving on the reporting and recording of Islamophobia in schools should be urgently progressed.
Lothian MSP Foysol Choudhury, who is the new Convener of the CPG taking over from colleague Anas Sarwar MSP, is encouraging constituents to talk about these experiences during Islamophobia Awareness Month, to raise awareness that these problems do exist and people are facing them daily.
Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “Islamophobia is still such a big issue for all Muslims and we need to find a way to eradicate the abuse and hatred urgently, to help those who face issues with Islamophobia on a daily basis.
“I have been raising in the Scottish Parliament the issue of how the Scottish Government will ensure that all police officers will be able to fully investigate all reported hate crimes, so people will then hopefully feel more comfortable going to the police about the abuse and hatred they receive.”
Following his previous work on Islamophobia, Foysol Choudhury is continuing to encourage people this month to share their experiences and speak out: “I really want to make sure people feel enabled to speak out about their issues, to give support to those who face hate or abuse because of their membership to religious communities.
“It is my hope that this will then create a more peaceful Scotland for everyone, free from any kind of religious intolerance or hatred.”
Scottish football joins Scottish Rugby in backing Police Scotland’s That Guy sexual crime prevention campaign
The That Guy Scotland campaign is highlighting the positive role sport can play in encouraging men to speak out against behaviours that can lead to sexual offending.
SPFL and Scottish Rugby are helping men join the conversation and be part of the solution:
Football fans will see the campaign featuring at the Viaplay Cup semi-finals at Hampden this weekend, when Hibs take on Aberdeen, and Hearts face Rangers.
The Scottish Professional Football League is backing the campaign for the first time, joining long-time supporters like Scottish Rugby.
This latest phase of the award-winning That Guy campaign focuses on the positive role sport can play in influencing men’s attitudes and encouraging them to speak out against behaviours that can lead to sexual offending.
Social media influencers will share advice on how men can get off the sidelines and safely challenge inappropriate banter and behaviour that makes women feel unsafe.
Assistant Chief Constable Bex Smith, Police Scotland said: “Not all men are a threat to women, but all men have the opportunity to help tackle the attitudes and actions that make women feel unsafe in everyday life.
“Banter and other behaviours that are abusive or derogatory towards women can seem harmless in the changing room or on a night out with friends, but these behaviours are rooted in male entitlement, and if left untackled, could lead to offending.
“It’s up to men to take action, step in, have a word with a friend and stop sexual offending before it starts.”
Calum Beattie, chief operating officer for the SPFL, said: “Football’s position as Scotland’s national sport enables it to play a uniquely positive and influential role in society.
“A number of SPFL clubs have previously participated in ‘That Guy’ and we’re proud to lend our further support to this award-winning and important campaign.
“We look forward to helping tens of thousands of supporters to learn more about its important message during the Viaplay Cup semifinals.”
A spokesperson for Scottish Rugby said: “We’ve been proud to work with Police Scotland and host workshops for our men’s and women’s players at international, pro-team and Academy levels, where we have explored the importance of their sexual crime prevention campaign.
“We’re determined to share the drive for male allyship, whether through big screen and match programme messaging at Scotland international matches, or, our next step, through taking the campaign directly out to clubs, so that it can be shared across communities.”
This stage of Police Scotland’s That Guy campaign launched on Monday, 30 October 2023 and will run throughout November.
New content will be published on www.that-guy.co.uk and social media channels:
Police are appealing for information after a number of gunshots were fired in Edinburgh.
Around 10.15am yesterday (Thursday, 2 November), police were called to a report of shots being fired at block of flats on Greendykes Road . Subsequent enquiries have identified shots were also fired towards the property around 3.05am the same morning.
There were no injuries in either incident, however windows were damaged.
This is being treated as a targeted attack.
Detective Sergeant Gavin Howat, Gayfield CID, said: “Whilst this may have been intended as a targeted attack, the fact is that a number of shots were fired indiscriminately. The second incident was in broad daylight and there were people in the street at the time.
“Thankfully no one was injured but this was a reckless act with no regard for members of the public.
“It is imperative that we find those responsible and for that we need the help of the local community.
“I know that people may be reluctant to come forward and so I would encourage the use of Crimestoppers where information can be given anonymously.
“Officers have been in the area since the attack checking CCTV and speaking to local residents.
“From our enquiries so far we believe that there was male on an electric motorcycle with a pillion passenger around the time of both incidents. On the second occasion they were seen to make off towards Craigmillar Castle Avenue.
“I am keen to hear from anyone who has private CCTV or doorbell camera footage, or from motorists driving on Greendykes Road or the surrounding roads between 3am and 3.30am, and 10am and 10.30am. Their footage could prove very useful to our enquiry.
“High visibility officers remain on patrol in the area, and I would urge people to speak to officers with regard to any concerns or provide information.”
Information can be passed to police via 101 quoting reference number 0961 of Thursday, 2 November, 2023, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Every homicide committed in Scotland since 2013 has been detected by Police Scotland, new figures have confirmed.
In 2022-23, all 52 homicides committed in Scotland were detected.
Latest statistics from Scottish Government, published yesterday, show the number of homicides committed in Scotland continues to reduce.
Police Scotland’s 100 per cent homicide detection rate means that every one of the 605 murders committed since the inception of the single national service in 2013, has been solved.
In addition, a significant number of ‘cold cases’, some committed many decades ago, have also been detected with the culprits identified, often using the latest technologies, and brought to trial. These have included the murders of Brenda Page (1978) and Renee MacRae (1976).
Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Livingstone, Head of Major Crime, said: “Every murder is a tragedy for individuals, families, and local communities.
“Our dedicated murder investigators bring a high level of professional practice, compassion, competence and commitment to each investigation. As a single national service we are able to bring a consistent approach, working with partners, to every investigation.
“We hope this commitment gives the public confidence in their police service.
“The pursuit of justice, regardless of the passage of time, is a core duty of policing and central to public confidence and police legitimacy. We apply the same level of commitment and professionalism to unresolved cases from the past, to provide answers and justice for families, even after decades.”
The Scottish Government Homicide Statistics can be found here.
“Our message is clear: this is simply not welcome or tolerated in Scotland.”
Police Scotland targeted drugs dealers who exploit vulnerable young people during a national County Lines Intensification Week of activity – between Monday, 9 October and Friday, 15 October 2023.
Proactive action by officers across the country saw a number of vulnerable people being identified and safeguarded and addresses used for cuckooing being visited.
Illegal drugs and offensive weapons, including a firearm, were also recovered.
Assistant Chief Constable Andy Freeburn said: “The harm caused by illegal drugs across Scotland is well-documented and County Lines drug dealers bring nothing but misery to our communities. They exploit vulnerable people and groom and threaten young people to become involved in their nefarious activities.
“Over the week we have worked in partnership with a wide range of national organisations, including the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce, to crack down on those involved in County Lines activity.
“Our message is clear: this is simply not welcome or tolerated in Scotland.”
During the UK-wide initiative – co-ordinated by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) – officers in Scotland safeguarded 17 vulnerable people and engaged with another 650.
373 addresses believed to be used for the purposes of cuckooing were also visited
25 people were arrested for a variety of offences including; being in possession of a firearm and ammunition, attempted murder and the supply of illegal drugs. In addition 18 warrants were executed.
Cocaine with a street value of over £250,000, heroin with a street value of £33,000 and crack cocaine with a street value of almost £30,000, was seized. Cannabis, a quantity of tablets and over £220,000 in cash were also recovered.
A number offensive weapons such as machetes, a meat cleaver, a knife and a baseball bat were recovered. An electric bike, two Audi cars and several mobiles phones were seized.
County Lines is a terms used to describe activity by criminals from larger cities who expand their operations into smaller towns. They exploit young and vulnerable people to sell drugs, carry cash and weapons – bringing violence, coercion and abuse. They may also take over a vulnerable person’s house, known as cuckooing.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “I welcome the County Lines intensification activity by Police Scotland, which has helped to safeguard a number of individuals. It is essential that we protect our most vulnerable citizens from being exploited by ruthless criminals whose only focus is on increasing their wealth.
“This year, Scotland’s Serious Organised Crime Taskforce published practitioner guidance on the criminal exploitation of children and vulnerable adults. The guidance aims to help those who come into contact with children and vulnerable adults on a regular basis to identify the signs of possible exploitation and what measures should be put in place to protect them.”
Assistant Chief Constable Freeburn added: “These hugely positive results during the intensification week are an example of our continuing work in support of Scotland’s Serious and Organised Crime Strategy.
“I would urge anyone who has concerns about County Lines activity or knowledge of who may be involved to contact Police Scotland or alternatively to Crimestoppers anonymously.”
Notable activity in Scotland included:
An investigation is ongoing after a vehicle was stopped as it travelled between England and Scotland and £200,000 in Scottish notes was recovered.
Officers in Inverness safely traced a 17-year-old male youth, who is believed to be involved in County Lines activity and had been reported missing from Birmingham,
West Midlands Police arrested a man wanted in Aberdeen on behalf of Police Scotland.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have begun issuing localised Flood Warnings as Storm Babet approaches.
Rain is already moving across the country, with flooding impacts expected to start this afternoon and into the early evening. The heaviest and most prolonged rainfall is expected over Aberdeen City, Dundee & Angus, Tayside, Aberdeenshire and Caithness & Sutherland, where some exceptional levels are forecast over the next 24 hours.
Extensive river and surface water flooding is expected, with widespread impacts to transport and infrastructure. There is a risk of more significant community scale property flooding – and there will be danger to life.
Other parts of Scotland are also at risk of flooding as rivers respond and drainage systems become overwhelmed. The risk of river flooding is exacerbated by the fact that many catchments are already saturated following recent heavy rainfall events. There is also concern that surface water flooding may be made worse by debris blocking drainage and culverts as a result of the high winds.
An additional band of rain is forecast to impact the east of the country on Saturday, which will prolong the event and keep rivers high. It is important people keep up to date by following weather information from the Met Office and flooding advice from SEPA.
Expert staff in SEPA’s flooding team are working round the clock to check forecasts and models, update Flood Alerts, issue Food Warnings and ensure that partners and responder agencies have the latest information.
Pascal Lardet, SEPA Flood Duty Manager, said: “There is exceptional rainfall forecast for parts of Scotland over the next 24 hours, and this will lead to significant flooding from both surface water and rivers.
“Regional Flood Alerts were issued over the last two days to provide early awareness, and localised Flood Warnings started to be issued this morning. More will be issued across the day, so I do encourage people to check our Flood Updates for all the latest information. You can also follow @SEPAFlood on X. However, it is important to stress that not all areas that could be affected have Flood Warning schemes, so please do take a Flood Alert in your area as advance notice that you could be affected.
“Follow the advice of the emergency services and take action now to protect yourself and your property. Hazards can be hidden, so please don’t walk or drive into flood water. Remember that not only is flood water likely to be dirty, 30 cm of fast flowing water can move an average family sized car, and just 15 cm of fast flowing water could be enough to knock you off your feet.”
SEPA continue to work with the Met Office to monitor the situation 24/7. As well as live information at Flood Updates, people can check the three-day Scottish Flood Forecast to see what conditions are expected further ahead.
Deputy First Minister Shona Robison chaired a meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) last night after the highest level Red Weather Warning was issued for the North East of Scotland.
Attended by resilience partners, Transport Scotland, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and emergency services, the meeting set out the significant action being taken to protect the public and mitigate the severe disruption expected over the next few days.
This includes multi-agency resilience arrangements being stood up across the country to co-ordinate the on-the-ground response and support anyone affected by flooding and severe weather.
The Red Warning has been issued by the Met Office for parts of Angus and South Aberdeenshire, valid between Thursday evening (6pm) and Friday afternoon (12pm).
People are urged to not to travel and to stay at home in the affected areas with ‘exceptional’ levels of rain likely to result in significant disruption and danger to life.
There is a further Amber Warning for rain covering parts of Stirling, Perthshire, Aviemore, Moray, Angus, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City from Thursday morning (0600) until Friday evening (1800). In these Amber areas it is being advised people should avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
In addition, an Amber Warning for wind was issued this morning for eastern Angus and eastern Aberdeenshire, valid between 1000 and 1800 on Thursday.
Ms Robison said: “Red Warnings are rarely issued by the Met Office and this reflects how serious the impacts will be from the exceptional weather we can expect – particularly in the North East of Scotland in the next two days.
“The strong message is that if you are in the parts of Angus and South Aberdeenshire affected – please stay at home and do not travel.
“Other parts of Scotland are also at risk of flooding as rivers respond and drainage systems become overwhelmed. The risk is exacerbated by the fact that many catchments are already saturated following last week’s heavy rainfall and flooding.
“No one should take the risks for granted and I would urge everyone in the country to prepare where necessary, heed the travel warnings issued by Police Scotland and take extreme care around fast-flowing water.
“Regional resilience partnerships have been activated and the Scottish Government is working very closely with them and with all partner agencies to ensure that all possible preparations are made and that everyone has full and immediate access to the most up-to-date information.
“I am grateful for the efforts of partners and volunteers in making preparations to help the public stay safe.
“Anyone seeking live updates should follow these partner organisations on social media, and can also consult the Ready Scotland website for general advice on how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from severe weather emergencies.”
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston said: “Our advice is to avoid any form of travel in those areas covered by the red weather warning.
“Driving conditions are expected to be extremely dangerous with disruption and significant delays during this period.
“In those areas covered by amber warnings for rain and wind, we would urge drivers, particularly those of high-sided vehicles, to consider if their journeys are essential or if they could be delayed until conditions improve.
“Don’t ignore road closure signs – they are for your safety.”
Pascal Lardet, SEPA Flood Duty Manager, said: “Scotland has already experienced a significant flood event this month, which communities are still recovering from, and some of the rainfall totals forecast for this week are higher than experienced over that weekend – albeit in some different areas.
“We’re expecting extensive river and surface water flooding in affected areas, with widespread impacts to transport and infrastructure. There is a risk of more significant community scale property flooding – and there will be danger to life.
“Regional Flood Alerts have already been issued, and localised Flood Warnings will be issued over the next few days as rivers respond. However, it is important to note that not all areas that could be affected have Flood Warning schemes, so please do take a Flood Alert in your area as advance notice that you could be affected.
“Take action now to protect yourself and your property. Hazards can be hidden, so please don’t walk or drive into flood water. Remember that not only is flood water likely to be dirty, 30 cm of fast flowing water can move an average family sized car, and just 15 cm of fast flowing water could be enough to knock you off your feet.”
Dave Thompson, Director of Claims at Tesco Bank, comments: “Parts of the UK and Ireland will be bracing for flooding with Storm Babet expected to bring heavy rain.
“For those who live in areas with an immediate risk of flooding, it is essential households prepare as much as possible for downpours. For example, ensure electrics and electrical appliances are disconnected and gas and water supplies are switched off.
“If your property is flooded, do not switch any of your electrical supplies back on until the flooding is over and they have been checked by a professional.
“Floodwater can also ruin more important and valuable items in your home, so make sure documents such as passports or more cherished items are sealed in plastic wallets and moved upstairs or to a safe place in your property. Then you can think about moving furniture and soft furnishings to a safer place.
“Water can also carry your furniture about your home and cause even more damage, so for heavier items it’s worth thinking about weighing down or securing all the pieces that are too heavy for you to move.
“Having an emergency flood survival kit could also help keep you and your family safe and warm should a flood occur. In your kit, you may want to include first aid equipment, bottled water, food, a torch (in case you lose power), an emergency contacts sheet, prescribed medication, blankets, clothing, insurance documents and money. If you have infants or elderly people in your household, you should also pack any special items they may need.”
Road Police officers are appealing for information following a fatal crash in East Lothian.
Around 3.05pm on Sunday (15 October 2023), emergency services were called to the A1 between Dunbar and Cockburnspath following a crash between a silver Nissan Pixo and a silver Volkswagen Passat.
The driver of the Nissan, 87-year-old John Paul from Duns, was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, where he died earlier today (Tuesday, 17 October).
Sergeant Barry Sommerville said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with John’s family at this difficult time. Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the collision.
“Our enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident and who hasn’t already spoken to officers to get in touch.
“I would also appeal to anyone who was in the area around the time and who may have dash-cam footage which could assist to contact us.”
