Four sought following bank incident

Police Scotland has released images of four people officers believe may be able to assist in connection with their investigation into threatening behaviour and damage to a bank.

The incident happened on Princes Street around 1.30am on Thursday, 12 September 2024.

Enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible and officers believe the three men and one woman pictured may be able to help with their investigation.

The first man is described as white, around 6ft tall, of slim build with black hair worn in a top knot. He may have a moustache and/or goatee beard. He was wearing a headtorch, a two-tone blue waterproof jacket, a yellow t-shirt, grey trousers, navy trainers and carrying a plain black rucksack. He had a black mountain bike with white forks and a solid black chainring guard.

The second man is described as white, also around 6ft and of slim build. He was wearing a surgical face mask, black baseball cap, black hooded top, brown trousers and navy shoes. He had a dark coloured mountain bike with a distinctive green section at the bottom of the front forks.

The third man is described as white, of heavy build, around 6ft, with short dark hair and a short dark beard. He was wearing a black baseball cap with a large symbol on the front, red jacket with black panels on the inside arms and flanks, bottle green jogging bottoms and dark shoes. He had a black electric pedal bike.

The woman is described as white, around 5ft 5ins, of slight build with short dark hair. She was wearing a navy jumper and beige trousers. She had a distinctive white women’s bike with white front and rear mud guards.

Police Constable Callum Johnston said: “I would urge these people or anyone who knows who they are to get in contact with us.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0211 of Thursday 12 September 2024. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.”

Renewed appeal after series of incidents on Union Canal tow path

Detectives are renewing an appeal for information after two assaults on the Union Canal tow path in Edinburgh.

Both incidents happened on Sunday, 13 October.

The first happened near to Harrison Park around 7pm when a 31-year-old man was assaulted while cycling on the tow path. He was taken to hospital for treatment and later discharged.

The second happened near to Watson’s Rowing Club where a 50-year-old man walking on the path was assaulted. He was uninjured and did not require hospital treatment.

Officers are also investigating an incident around 5.40pm on the path near to Meggetland Bridge where a man acted in a threatening manner towards a woman walking in the area.

All three incident are being treated as linked.

Officers are working to identify a man described as being between 20 and 30-years-old, around 6ft tall, lean build, pale complexion, gaunt face, clean shaven, short dark hair with dark eyebrows.

He was wearing a dark blue hoodie and white trainers.

Detective Inspector Gordon Couper said: “We believe all three of these incidents are linked and would urge anyone with information to get in touch.

“We believe there were other people using the path around the time of these incidents and would urge anyone who witnessed anything to let us know. We’d also be keen to speak to anyone who have photographs or video footage from the area around these times.

“We would urge people to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to us. We have dedicated officers patrolling both the general area and the tow path specifically who you can speak to.

“Information can also be passed by calling 101, quoting incident number 2814 of Sunday, 13 October, 2024.

“Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.”

Twelve year old boy charged after threatening Morningside shop staff

Following an attempt shoplifting incident in Morningside yesterday (Thursday 25 April) police officers traced a 12-year-old boy who has now been charged with making threats of violence towards staff.

Community Sergeant Jen Macgregor said: ‘Behaving and acting in a threatening and abusive way will not be tolerated by our communities.

“Our officers continue to deal with any reports robustly and work tirelessly with families, schools and partners to deter such incidents.

“Please check in with your kids when they’re out and about to ensure they are safe and not involved in anti-social-behaviour or criminality.’

#KeepingPeopleSafe

Violence and threatening behaviour ‘skyrocketing’ in Edinburgh schools

A dramatic increase in the number of violent and threatening incidents in Edinburgh’s schools has been revealed by figures from the city council.

In the 2014-15 academic year, there were 111 violent or threatening behaviour incidents across Edinburgh’s primaries and secondary schools. In the 2022-23 academic year this had skyrocketed to 618.

These figures come after the Scottish Government’s latest Research Report into school behaviour showed that almost 2/3rds of Scottish teachers have experienced verbal abuse and 59% have encountered physical aggression.

The number of incidents is higher in Edinburgh’s primary schools, which saw a leap from 242 for the academic year 2021/22 to 487 in 22/23.

High schools have seen a similarly dramatic jump but from a lower base, seeing an increase from 44 incidents in 21/22 to 131 in 22/23.

Commenting on these figures, Lothians MSP Sarah Boyack said: “The dramatic increase in violent and threatening behaviour in schools is extremely distressing.

“No teacher deserves to face violence or abuse in their classroom.

“The Council and school staff are doing a great job with the resources they have, but its clear more is needed to tackle this issue.

“Investing in pupil support will help us to tackle many of the root issues that cause disruption. We must also ensure that schools equip teachers with the necessary support if they are facing violent behaviour.

“Violence and threatening behaviour are not part of a teacher’s job, and it must be the Education Secretary’s top priority to tackle it.”

The data, acquired by FOI from City of Edinburgh Council is below:

Academic YearPrimary SchoolsSecondary SchoolsTotal number
01/08/2014 to 30/06/20151047111
01/08/2015 to 30/06/20161127119
01/08/2016 to 30/06/20171997206
01/08/2017 to 30/06/201817815193
01/08/2018 to 30/06/201929237329
01/08/2019 to 30/06/2020172441
01/08/2020 to 30/06/20211294133
01/08/2021 to 30/06/202224244286
01/08/2022 to 30/06/2023487131618

The Scottish Government Behaviour in Schools Research Report can be found here:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/behaviour-scottish-schools-research-report-2023