Tag: reassurance

Man convicted of rape of teenager in Edinburgh city centre

A 20-year-old man has been convicted of the rape of a teenage girl in Edinburgh on Sunday, 25 May, 2025.

Aaron Strachan pled guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday (Thursday, 4 December). He is due to be sentenced at the same court on Tuesday, 13 January, 2026.

The incident happened in the early hours of the morning in the York Place area.

Strachan also pled guilty to an assault to severe injury which took place in the South Bridge area of Edinburgh on the same date, as well as an assault to severe injury and endangerment of life which took place in the High Riggs area of Edinburgh on Wednesday, 28 May, 2025.

Detective Inspector Gillian Wells, from Edinburgh’s Sex Offender Policing Unit, said: “This was a particularly harrowing attack which was carried out in the busy city centre area and had a profound effect on the young victim.

“The other assaults also demonstrate what a violent individual Strachan is, with no consideration of the consequences of his actions.

“I would like to thank local officers for their excellent work which ensured Strachan was quickly identified and arrested.

“Police Scotland remains committed to tackling sexual crimes and bringing those responsible to justice. I’d encourage anyone who has been a victim of such crimes to come forward and report it to us.

“We’ll thoroughly investigate and have specially trained officers and partner agencies to support you throughout.”

Chief Inspector Trisha Clark, Area Commander for Edinburgh City Centre, said: “We understand that crimes of this nature have a serious impact on the local community. We will continue to work closely with partners to address any such concerns in the area.”

Major investigation into criminal incidents in Edinburgh continues

POSSIBLE LINK TO THIRD INCIDENT NOW BEING INVESTIGATED

The major investigation into the discharge of firearms and associated criminal incidents in Edinburgh is continuing. 

A team of detectives, along with specialist and divisional officers, are working on this inquiry. Significant CCTV footage has also been collected which is being scrutinised and officers continue to gather additional information via door-to-door enquiries.

On Saturday afternoon, officers conducted road and vehicle checks in the Ferry Road, Niddrie and Pennywell areas. These road checks will continue as part of the ongoing investigation.

A report of a suspicious fire in Hay Drive today – Sunday, 23 March – is now also being investigated.  

Superintendent Paul Gillespie said: “We understand this will be concerning for local communities, but I want to reassure everyone that we are pursuing those involved and are using every tool and tactic at our disposal.

“We are taking strong action to disrupt this criminal activity and a lot of work, which may not always be visible, is ongoing. Additional officers are currently deployed to specifically target criminals and disrupt their activities.

“Extensive enquiries are ongoing into a number of incidents in Edinburgh. From our investigations so far, we believe these are linked to groups who are actively targeting each other. 

“The local division and senior management are being provided with support from our national Specialist Crime Division and Operational Support Division.

“We are carrying out additional high-visibility patrols and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to approach these officers.

“We understand the significant impact this has had on the local community and I would like to thank everyone for their help so far.

“Finding those who carried out these reckless acts is paramount. If you know anything that could help, please do the right thing and speak to police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0562 of Friday, 21 March, 2025. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.