Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information and witnesses following a fire near to a property and a vehicle in Leith.
The incident took place on Jane Street, at around 10.35pm on Sunday, 11 June, 2023.
Officers assisted their partners at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service at the scene. Whilst significant damage was caused, no injuries have been reported.
Enquiries to establish the cause of the fire are ongoing.
Detective Sergeant Christina Yeoman, from Gayfield CID, said: “We can be thankful that no one was hurt as a result of this fire.
“As our investigation continues, we are keen to hear from anyone who may have information, or potential CCTV or dashcam footage from the area.
“If you believe you can assist our enquiries, please call police on 101, quoting incident 4183 of 11 June, 2023.”
Numbered signs 1-6 have been attached to existing beach defence groynes and yellow circular signs to the sea wall. The emergency services can use these numbered markers to plot your location in an emergency.
Marker 1 – Pipe Lane
Marker 2 – Bath Street
Marker 3 – Bellfield Street
Marker 4 – John Street
Marker 5 – Bedford Terrace
Marker 6 – End of the promenade at Joppa Road
The signage has been used numerous times over the last few years, including search & rescue incidents.
Feedback from emergency responders and partner agencies has been very positive: “The numbered signs worked well, giving a direct place to attend, which in my view, saved vital minutes in our attendance.”
Please stay safe on our coastline. Further information on water safety can be found with our RNLI partners at https://ow.ly/txu250OLkfM
In a coastal emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
A 52-year-old woman has today, Sunday, 11 June, 2023, been arrested as a suspect in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party.
The woman is in custody and is being questioned by Police Scotland detectives.
A report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
The matter is active for the purposes of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 and the public are therefore advised to exercise caution if discussing it on social media.
As the investigation is ongoing we are unable to comment further.
UPDATE @ 17.33
A 52-year-old woman who was arrested earlier today, Sunday, 11 June, 2023, as a suspect in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party, has been released without charge pending further investigation.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Friday, 9 June, 59-year-old Rhoderick McGregor was sentenced to 10 years for serious sexual offences.
McGregor was convicted on Tuesday, 16 May, at Edinburgh High Court in connection with the offences that took place in Fife between 2006 and 2014.
Detective Sergeant Mark Brown said: “We acknowledge how difficult this has been for McGregor’s victims. Their commitment and engagement during our investigation helped ensure his conviction. Our thoughts remain with them and I hope that his sentencing gives them some comfort and assists them in moving forward.
“Investigating the abuse of children and young people is a top priority for Police Scotland. I hope this outcome will give confidence to anyone who is experiencing or has experienced abuse to come forward, knowing that we will carry out a robust investigation to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
“No matter how much time has passed, please report it. You can be assured that you will be fully supported by our officers and our partner agencies.”
A man responsible for the non-recent sexual abuse of young people in Edinburgh has also been jailed.
At the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday, 7 June, 2023, James Grover was sentenced to four years in prison for assaults on three people during the 1990s and 2000s.
The 41-year-old became subject of a Police Scotland public protection investigation in 2019 after the victims, who were aged between 12 and 15 years old at the time of the offences reported their abuse.
Grover was arrested and charged on 6 February 2020 before being found guilty of lewd and libidinous practices, indecent assault and assault on 2 May, 2023.
Detective Inspector Jonny Wright, who led the investigation, said: “Over a number of years, James Grover targeted his victims and subjected them to serious abuse that was both physical and sexual.
“These individuals showed incredible courage to come forward and make us aware of Grover’s offending, allowing us to conduct a thorough investigation, which ultimately led to his conviction and prison sentence.
“I want to thank them for their bravery and support of our inquiries. I hope today’s outcome brings them closure and peace of mind.
“Police Scotland will always take any reports of non-recent sexual crime seriously and investigate robustly. If you wish to report offences of this nature please contact us via 101.”
Legislation unveiled to improve complaint and conduct procedures
Proposed new laws to help strengthen public confidence in standards of police conduct have been published.
The Scottish Government’s Police (Ethics, Conduct and Scrutiny) (Scotland) Bill has been introduced to Parliament with the aim of ensuring allegations of misconduct are dealt with more transparently and effectively.
If passed by MSPs, the legislation would see the outcomes of misconduct hearings published online and police officers no longer able to resign to avoid disciplinary proceedings.
The Bill would stop officers guilty of gross misconduct from being re-employed in policing by placing them on barred lists, with an advisory list for officers facing an allegation of misconduct and ensures officers can no longer resign to avoid being held to account for gross misconduct allegations.
The new arrangements will be underpinned by placing the code of ethics which sets out expectations of behaviour, in statute. To oversee these standards, the role of the independent Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) will be significantly enhanced.
The Bill will deliver the majority of the remaining legislative recommendations made by former Lord Advocate, Dame Elish Angiolini, in her independent review of policing.
Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs Angela Constance said: “Scotland is well served by the exceptional dedication and commitment of Scotland’s police officers and the work they do every day to keep communities safe.
“However, if things go wrong, the police must be held to account and improvements made. The principle of policing by consent, so central to our justice system, is built on this accountability. It is also in the interests of both the public and of the policing family.
“This Bill, if passed, will help strengthen public confidence for example by ensuring officers can no longer resign to avoid being held to account for gross misconduct allegations against them. The vital safeguards set out in this legislation will enhance the professional service already delivered by officers, as they perform their privileged duties to keep us all safe.”
Police have had reports of sheds/garages being broken into across Edinburgh. Please remain vigilant and review the security of your property.
Key points for shed/garage security are:
• Use a good quality closed shackled padlock
• Fit coach bolts or anti tamper screws on shed hinges
• Install a stand-alone shed alarm
• Secure bikes within sheds/garages to a ground anchor or immovable object
• Review the lighting and fencing around your property
• Consider a garage defender
Please see attached documents for further advice.
If you see anyone acting suspiciously near to your property or vehicle please contact the police immediately with as detailed a description as possible of any person or vehicle involved. Please call 999 if an emergency and urgent police assistance is required or 101 to report the matter to the police.
A murder inquiry has been launched following the death of a 30-year-old man in Edinburgh.
Around 7.45pm on Friday, 2 June, 2023, officers were called to a report of a disturbance on Leith Street near to the junction with Greenside Row.
Edinburgh man Peter Mullen, 30, suffered serious injuries and was taken by ambulance to Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, where he died a short time later.
Following a post mortem examination, his death is being treated as murder. His relatives are aware and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.
Enquiries have so far revealed a number of people were involved in the disturbance and a 41-year-old man was also taken to hospital for treatment.
A 46-year-old woman has been arrested and charged in connection with a minor assault. She is expected to appear before Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.
Detective Chief Inspector John Morrison said: “Our thoughts are very much with Peter’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
“We have a dedicated team of officers working on this investigation and I would like to reassure the local community that everything is being done to trace the person responsible.
“Extensive enquiries are ongoing and officers are continuing to gather CCTV footage from the surrounding area.
“We are aware that the area was busy at the time of the incident and we are again encouraging anyone who may have seen or heard a disturbance, to please get in touch.
“We have set up a website that gives members of the public access to a form to send information directly to us.
“Anyone with any CCTV, dashcam or any other footage that they think would assist the enquiry can also send this via this link.
“You can select to remain anonymous when submitting information.
“I’d like to thank the public for their assistance so far and ask anyone with information who hasn’t already spoken with officers to please call 101 quoting incident number 4094 of 2 June, 2023.
“Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given completely anonymously.
“We have set up a link to our Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) that allows members of the public to send information directly to the public.”
Police are appealing for information following the death of a 30-year-old man in Edinburgh last night.
Around 7.45pm on Friday, 2 June, 2023, officers were called to a report of a disturbance on Leith Street near to the junction with Greenside Row.
Emergency services attended and the victim was taken by ambulance to Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he died a short time later.
His death is being treated as unexplained and a post mortem examination will take place in due course.
His relatives are aware and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.
Extensive enquiries carried out have revealed a number of people were involved in the disturbance and a 41-year-old man was also taken to hospital for treatment.
A 46-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with a minor assault.
Detective Chief Inspector John Morrison said: “Our thoughts are very much with the man’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
“Our enquiries are ongoing and officers will be in the area working on this investigation.
“The area would have been busy at the time of the incident and we are encouraging anyone who may have seen or heard a disturbance to get in touch.
“I am also keen to speak to anyone with any CCTV, dashcam or any other footage that they think would assist the enquiry.
“We will have a continued police presence in the area and anyone with any concerns can approach these officers.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident number 4094 of 2 June, 2023.
Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given completely anonymously.
UPDATE: POLICE SET UP ONLINE PORTAL
Officers investigating the death of a 30-year-old man in Edinburgh have set up an online portal for members of the public to submit information.
Extensive enquiries are continuing and we have set up a link to our Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) that allows members of the public to send information directly to officers.
Road policing officers in Edinburgh are holding a Road Safety event using an interactive simulator for drivers to test their reactions and observations behind the wheel.
The technology tests a driver’s reaction time against the times in the Highway Code. It can also highlight any potential vulnerabilities that could affect driving ability.
The equipment will be set up at the Gyle Shopping centre from 8.30am until 2pm on Friday (2 June, 2023).
Officers will be on hand to give general road safety advice including information on Drink/Drug Driving. There will also be representatives from other partner agencies, including ROSPA and Road Safety Scotland.
Road Policing Officer, Police Constable Stewart Sinclair, said: “We are committed to reducing road casualties through positively influencing the behaviour of road users. This fun, but accurate, test provides a safe environment for drivers to have a go on the equipment and test their skills
“It will help people think about how they would react to hazards and other scenarios that we all face on the roads on a regular basis and assess their fitness to do so.
“Anyone can come along and take part. We hope it will give peace of mind to those who may worry about their reaction times “.
“Unfortunately crashes can be caused by poor eyesight and slow reaction times. Having a go on the equipment can give people peace of mind and advice will be available at the event.”
