Tag: Police Scotland

Tesco accident victim named

A pedestrian who died in a crash in the Corstorphine area has been named as Bill Hepburn, aged 66, from Edinburgh.

His family has asked for privacy and released the following statement:

“Our family are heartbroken at the loss of Bill who was a loving husband and father.”

The incident happened around 9am on Wednesday, 18 February, in a supermarket car park off Meadow Road Place and involved a blue Volkswagen Polo.

Sergeant Paul Ewing said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Bill and enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances.

“Anyone who has not spoken to us and has any information that could help is asked to get in touch with road policing officers via 101, quoting incident number 0688 of Wednesday, 18 February, 2026.”

Missing Man: Have you seen Brian?

UPDATE +++ BRIAN HAS BEEN TRACED +++

POLICE are appealing for the assistance of the public to trace 72-year-old Brian Johnstone, who has been reported missing from his home in South Gyle.

Brian was last in contact with his family around 10.45am on Sunday, 15 February, 2026. He is described as white, around 6ft and bald.

Inspector Graham Belfall said: “It is completely out of character for Brian to go missing. His family and police are becoming increasingly concerned for his safety and wellbeing.

“Enquiries and searches are ongoing throughout the Edinburgh area and places he is known to visit, including Cramond. Officers are keen to trace him as soon as possible to ensure he is safe.

“I would urge anyone who has seen Brian, or who has any information regarding his whereabouts to contact 101, quoting incident number 1413 of 15 February.”

UPDATE

Brian Johnstone, who was reported missing from Edinburgh on Sunday, 15 February, 2026, has been traced. Thanks to those who shared our appeal.

Four men convicted of serious organised crime offences

Four men have been convicted of serious organised crime offences linked to Operation Portaledge.

Kieran Abercrombie, 32, Kenzie Gardner (pictured, top), 19, Tyler Ramage (pictured, above), 19, and Robert Thomson (pictured, below), 18, pleaded guilty to wilful fireraising at the High Court in Edinburgh today, Thursday, 12 February, 2026.

They had been arrested and charged by police on 23 May, 2025, after two vehicles were deliberately set on fire in Pitcairn Grove in Edinburgh on Thursday, 8 May 2025.

Abercrombie, Gardner and Thomson, also pleaded guilty in relation to a fire at a premises on Cumbernauld Road in Stepps, which happened on Thursday, 8 May, 2025.

Thomson also pleaded guilty to a firearms offence, while Abercrombie pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit criminal activity.

They are all due to be sentenced at the same court on Tuesday, 10 March.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry, Specialist Crime Division, said: “These were concerning incidents for the local community and now those responsible will face the consequences of their actions.

“I want to make it clear to those intent on being involved in serious and organised crime that we will not give up and you will be brought to justice.

“These convictions are further examples of Police Scotland’s commitment to the Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce and its national strategy”

Operation Portaledge is the ongoing investigation into violent incidents in the East and West of the country.

Man arrested and charged in connection with attempted murder in Lochend

A 31-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with an attempted murder in Edinburgh.

Around 9.50pm on Tuesday, 3 February, 2026, police were called to a report of a collision involving a pedestrian and a vehicle on Lochend Drive. 

Emergency services attended and the pedestrian was taken to hospital for treatment. The vehicle failed to stop at the scene.

The 31-year-old man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today, Thursday, 12 February, 2026.

A 35-year-old man was also arrested in connection with attempting to pervert the course of justice and released pending further enquiries.

Local MP calls for stronger protection for retail workers as shoplifting soars

Scotland has seen a drastic 129% rise in shoplifting since 2021, with 48,564 recorded incidents in the year ending September 2025, according to figures from Police Scotland. Yet only 2,854 people were convicted in 2023/24, showing a growing gap between crime and accountability. 

Tracy Gilbert MP, who worked on the Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-Restricted Goods and Services) Scotland Bill before her election to Parliament and has a long history in the trade union movement advocating for worker rights, said: “These figures are deeply concerning. Retail workers are on the frontline, facing increasing risk from shoplifting and associated crime, yet our laws and policing are not keeping pace. Workers and communities deserve better protection.

“This is not just about crime statistics, it’s about real people, and real communities. Adequate resources are required to ensure effective policing, and support for retail staff is urgently needed to tackle this growing problem.”  

The Protection of Workers Bill, which Tracy contributed to before her parliamentary career, provides a vital framework for safeguarding retail staff, ensuring they can carry out their roles safely and without fear. 

Tracy Gilbert added: “We must act now to ensure that Scotland’s workers and communities are protected.

“I will continue to advocate for better policing and laws that safeguard those on the frontline by working with trade unions and employers to ensure retail crimes are reported and prosecuted.”

Corn Exchange assault: Do you know these men?

Police Scotland has released CCTV images of two people they believe may be able to assist in an ongoing investigation into an assault that occurred within the Corn Exchange, New Market Road, Edinburgh on Saturday, 21 June, 2025, at around 11pm.

The first person is described as being a white male, aged between 20 and 25 years old, of medium build and with blond hair. They were wearing a white ‘Loewe’ t-shirt, blue jeans, and has tattoos on both arms.

The second person is described as being a white male, aged between 20 and 25 years old, with short black hair. They were wearing a white t-shirt, black jeans and trainers.

Detective Constable Beverley Burnside said: “We would ask the people in the images, or anyone who recognises them, to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone who has information that may assist with this investigation is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0848 of Sunday, 23 June 2025.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

EIGHT sextortion offences reported in Lothians this week

Since the beginning of February 2026, Police have received eight reported incidents of sextortion from across East Lothian and Midlothian.

The victims are both men and women and range in age between 14 to 58-years-old. Five of the victims are teenagers.

In all the cases, the suspects have financially blackmailed the victims online. One of the victims has paid the demanded money.

Officers are investigating these crimes and are urging the public to be cautious of what is shared online.

Detective Inspector James Welsh said: “Sextortion is blackmail and those targeted should not pay, nor should they be embarrassed or scared to report it to police.

“Criminals use the internet, social media and dating apps, to befriend people online and then threaten to share images to their family and friends for financial gain.

“People shouldn’t panic. There is support available from policing and from third party organisations. We want people to know they will be treated with respect and dignity and the circumstances investigated professionally.

“There is information available on the Police Scotland website on ways you can stay safe online – such as not sharing intimate images.”

More information can be found at: Sextortion – Police Scotland

Missing Man: Have You Seen James?

POLICE are appealing for assistance in tracing 24-year-old James Humble, who has been reported missing from Edinburgh.

James was last seen in the Dalkeith Road area around 7.35pm on Wednesday, 4 February, 2026.

He is described as white, around 5ft 10ins and of slim build with blond hair. He was wearing a dark-green jacket.

Sergeant Joe Perkins said: “We are extremely concerned for James’ wellbeing and officers are carrying out enquiries and searches to trace him as soon as possible, to ensure that he is safe and well.

“If you have seen James, or have any information regarding his whereabouts, please contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 2963 of Wednesday, 4 February.”

Appeal following fatal crash near Cramond Bridge

ROAD Policing officers are appealing for information after a fatal crash in Edinburgh.

Around 11.10pm last night – Monday, 2 February, 2026, Police received a report of a crash involving a car and a pedestrian on the A90 near the Kirkliston slip road at Cramond Bridge.

The car involved was a red Ford Fiesta.

Emergency services attended, but the pedestrian, a 36-year-old woman, was pronounced dead at the scene.

No other injuries were reported.

Sergeant Michael Thomson, of Road Policing East, said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the woman who died at this difficult time.

“I am appealing to anyone who was driving in the area at the time and witnessed the crash to come forward with information.

“I’d also ask that those with dash-cam footage review this to see if it has captured anything of significance.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 3646 of 2 February, 2026.