Police statement on Meadows ASB

Following an increasing number of antisocial behaviour incidents reported to police within the last week, particularly focused around the Meadows, Local Area Commander Chief Inspector Sam Ainslie has issued a statement:

Chief Inspector Sam Ainslie said: “As the Local Area Commander, I am saddened by the number of antisocial behaviour incidents reported to police within the last week, with concerns tending to be focused around the Meadows.

“Given the challenges of the last few months, local communities should be able to enjoy our open green spaces, in accordance with the current guidelines. Disappointingly, the selfish and sometimes reckless behaviour of a small minority continues to have a negative impact on others. This includes, but is not limited to, drink-related disorder.

Community safety remains an established priority and we will continue to work with our partners, including the City of Edinburgh Council, retail premises and transport providers, to combat antisocial behaviour in all its forms.

“Local officers will continue to remain visible in the area, whether that be on mobile, foot, or indeed cycle patrol.

“I would encourage the public, if you observe or witness criminality in the area, to help us hold offenders to account by contacting Police Scotland on 101, or 999 in an emergency.

“I’d like to thank the vast majority of people for following the regulations, whilst they remain in place. As ever, our officers will engage with the public, explain the current coronavirus guidance and encourage compliance, where necessary.”

FOUR CHARGED: Witness appeal following assaults on girls in the Meadows

INCIDENT UPDATE 23.03.21

Police Scotland can confirm that four teenage girls have been charged in connection with an assault against three other girls in the Meadows.

The incident happened around 7pm on Sunday, 20 March. All four youths aged, 13, 16, 16 and 17- years-old, will be reported through the appropriate youth justice process.

We would like to thank everyone who helped up with our enquiries into this incident.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Police are appealing for witness following an assault and robbery of three girls in the Meadows.

The incident happened around 7pm on Saturday (20 March).

Two teenage girls, aged 13 and 14-years-old, were approached by a group of youths who assaulted and robbed them. An unknown member of the public intervened and took both girls away from the group.

A short time later a 16-year-old girl, known to the other girls, arrived and the group approached them again, assaulting the 16-year-old by dragging her to the ground and also robbing her. Again, unknown members of the public intervened, and the girls were taken safely away.

All three girls suffered injuries to their faces which required medical attention.

Detective Inspector Kevin Tait of Corstorphine CID said: “This was despicable behaviour which has left three young girls injured and shaken and it will not be tolerated.

“Enquiries are ongoing and we are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and would urge anyone who may have been there and saw what happened to contact us as soon as possible.

“We are especially keen to speak to the various unknown adults who intervened to help the girls and I would ask that if that was you that you give us a call.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting incident number 3698 of 20 March, or alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be passed on anonymously.

CCTV appeal following assault in The Meadows

Police Scotland has released CCTV footage of a man officers wish to speak to in connection with assaults in the Meadows area.

A number of women were approached separately by a man between 10.30pm and 11.30 pm on Monday, 11 January, 2021, when they were walking in the area close to Melville Drive.

A man, described as Asian, aged 20 to 30-years-old, about 5ft 7 ins to 5ft 9 ins and of a skinny build, wearing a dark slim-fit puffer style jacket, was seen at the time.

https://youtu.be/TEOjEBxgVYA

Detective Inspector George Calder said: “A number of women were approached by a man who assaulted them and we believe the man shown in these images can help with our enquiries.

“Officers are also keen to speak to anyone may have seen the man walking towards the city centre or near Argyle Place or who may have dash-cam footage, particularly from driving along Melville Drive at that time of night.

“Anyone who has not spoken to officers already and may be able to help identify the man, or the man himself, can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 3502 of 11 January 2021, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Police seek witnsses to assault in The Meadows

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for information following an assault in the Meadows. The incident happened around 8.30pm last night (Friday 24 July) when an 18-year-old man was assaulted by four other men.

The man was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment of his injuries which are not thought to be serious. 

The four suspects are described as males aged between 15 to 17-years-old with brown and blonde short hair.  At the time of the incident, one was wearing black shorts and a black top, another with black trousers and one wearing a white hooded top.

Sergeant Grant Robertson, of Howdenhall Community Policing, said: “We believe this incident to be a targeted attack and would like to reassure the public that there is no threat to the wider community.

“This incident happened at a time when the park was busy with other people and I would ask that if anyone witnessed this to contact police, in particular if anyone is in possession of any mobile phone footage.

“Officers will be actively patrolling the area and engaging with the local residents and people that use the park, and as ever, we encourage anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour to report it to us.

“Police can be contacted on 101 quoting incident number 3785 of Friday, 24 July, 2020.”

Be Bright, Be Seen winter road safety campaign launch tomorrow

City police we will be joining The City of Edinburgh Council at the launch of a  campaign to raise awareness of issues experienced by those who cycle and those who drive on Edinburgh’s road network tomorrow. The launch is taking place at Middle Meadow Walk at North Meadow Walk between 4pm and 6pm.

It is important that we share road space responsibly and ensure that all road users “look out for each other”. Everyone should take extra care and look properly when turning at road junctions.

• Cyclists can help by wearing bright clothing or reflective accessories and making sure they use lights during the hours of darkness, which must be lit!
• Drivers can help by keeping an eye out for cyclists and allowing them plenty of room – at least as much room as they would for another vehicle.

Pedestrians can also benefit from wearing brightly coloured clothes or using high visibility items so they can be easily seen and we can all benefit from looking properly, without distractions such as mobile phones.

Check the Streets Ahead website for more information – http://ow.ly/llVy50wS0jW

People’s Vote: Let Us Be Heard rally at The Meadows this afternoon

Labour MP Jess Phillips and SNP MP Joanna Cherry will join a stellar line-up of comedians at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for a People’s Vote ‘Let Us Be Heard’ rally in Edinburgh today.

They will be joined by top comics Andrew Maxwell, Grace Campbell and Fred MacAulay as well as the renowned ‘Graffiti Granny’, Hazel Jones. Continue reading People’s Vote: Let Us Be Heard rally at The Meadows this afternoon