Officers investigating disorder following the Hibernian versus Motherwell football match that took place in Edinburgh on Saturday, 5 October, 2024, have made more arrests.
Four men, two aged 19, one aged 18 and one aged 24, along with a 16-year-old male youth, have been arrested and charged in connection with incidents in the St Andrew Square area.
They have been released on an undertaking to appear in court on a later date. Football banning orders are being sought.
Chief Inspector Craig Rogerson said: “Officers work hard to create a safe environment not just at football matches but also after the event.
“These arrests send a strong message that we will not tolerate football related disorder in any form.”
A further five arrests have been made following disorder at the Hibernian versus Motherwell football game on Saturday, 5 October, 2024.
Incidents of violence and disorder were directed towards officers in the St Andrew Square area of Edinburgh after the conclusion of the game.
Five men aged, 32, 21, 20, 19 and 18 have been arrested and charged in connection with the incidents.
Chief Inspector Craig Rogerson said: “These arrests show that disorder is not acceptable. We want to create a safe environment for people before, during and after football matches. We will continue to work closely with both clubs and football authorities.
“The men will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal and are expected to appear at Court at a later date. Football banning orders will be sought, preventing them from attending any regulated football matches in Scotland.
POLICE are appealing for information following disorder after the football match between Hibernian and Motherwell at the weekend.
On Saturday, 5 October 2024, incidents of violence and disorder were directed towards officers in the St Andrew Square area after the conclusion of the game.
Four officers suffered minor injuries as a result and four men aged 16, 17, 18 and 22 were charged in connection with incidents of violence and disorder. They were released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date.
Two other people were also arrested and later released without charge.
Chief Inspector Craig Rogerson said: “We have a zero-tolerance approach to violence of any kind and are working to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
“A proportionate policing plan was in place and officers being targeted with violence while carrying out their duties is wholly unacceptable.
“Officers acted swiftly in challenging circumstances to deal with what amounted to totally unacceptable behaviour.
“A dedicated team of officers are carrying out enquiries to identify those involved and appropriate action will be taken.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 1311 of 5 October 2024.
Six people have been arrested following incidents of violence and disorder in the St Andrew’s Square area after the Hibs v Motherwell match last night (Saturday 5 October).
An investigation is under way to identify further individuals involved.
UPDATE:
Four males, aged 16, 17, 18 and 22, have been charged in connection with incidents of violence and disorder in St Andrew Square, Edinburgh after Hibs v Motherwell yesterday.
Two others were released without charge.
The males have been released to appear in court at a later date.
Pooja’s son Ronan was fatally stabbed in 2022. On Monday 9 September, Pooja attended the first annual Knife Crime Summit at Downing Street.
Within seconds, my whole life was shattered.
I miss talking to him. I miss hugging him, hearing his giggles, his laugh, his loud noise, his cheeky look in his eyes.
It’s horrifying to know that a beautiful child of yours – a good person, a good human being – has been taken by something so cruel and for no reason. Because they mistook him for somebody else.
On the evening of 29th June 2022, Ronan went to play snooker with his friend. It was the first time he’d gone out after finishing his GCSEs. It was a treat.
I was out of the house at a meditation class. My neighbour, who was at the class with me, got a call. I got up, hearing the commotion.
“What’s happened?” I asked.
“There’s been a stabbing on our street, we need to get home,” she replied.
I didn’t know then that it was my own child. You don’t think it can happen to you.
I remember ringing Ronan, but he wasn’t picking up the phone. That’s not like Ronan – Ronan knows, he knows me, he knows to answer. But he didn’t.
My husband was at home, so I rang him and asked him to go outside to find out what was happening. He told me that Ronan had popped out for five minutes to go to his friend’s house. We both agreed to phone Ronan to tell him to get home as soon as possible.
My husband rang back crying.
“It’s Ronan, Pooja. They’re saying it’s an Asian-Indian boy.”
The perpetrators had stabbed him in his abdomen, 20 centimetres deep with a 20 inch Ninja sword. When he turned around, they stabbed him again with a Ninja sword that went through his heart. The blood was pouring out of his body.
He tried running home, but he collapsed two doors away from his house.
On my way from class, I remember asking my friend to drive me quicker and I jumped out of the moving car. Running towards the police taped area and begging the police officers to let me through, to let me hold my child.
Even though the paramedics tried to operate to save him, my Ronan died on the very street he grew up. He didn’t stand a chance.
An innocent child walking home. Murdered, just like that.
In the court case, we found out how the online sale of these threatening bladed articles played a massive role in my son’s murder. Since then, we have been and will continue fighting for a ban on machetes, zombie knives, Ninja swords and other bladed weapons. There is no need for these deadly knives to be in our society. In the wrong hands they are lethal weapons.
For each murder that happens, there have been clear failures in our system. Ronan’s murder happened because a Ninja sword was bought using a parent’s credit card with no ID checks. We also hear about the failures within the education system, within the policing system, within online sales and more. Now all these failures are being addressed so we can start correcting them.
We’re going down the right path.
If it takes a bit of time, so be it. But we need to understand that this needs to be dealt with from now on.
I would like to thank Sir Keir Starmer, the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Idris Elba and my MP Pat McFadden. These are the people who are passionate about this issue and do want to make a difference. So, thank you to them.
I feel very grateful to be here, so I can share my child’s story and can fight for him. I feel like there are other people who don’t get heard.
What happened to Ronan should never have happened. My Ronan was a good, funny, humble, charismatic, intelligent and kind boy. He was every mother’s dream son.
From his school, a mother approached me to tell me how Ronan stopped their child getting bullied – now that child remembers my child and was heartbroken to learn what had happened.
He was a beautiful person and he was too good for this world. I apologise to him every morning for bringing him into this cruel world and not being able to protect him. So, this is my way of doing something for him.
Ronan’s Law will be a strong move and bring, I hope, much-needed change. Banning these weapons should be the basic start to combatting knife crime.
In my son’s memory, I have a tattoo on my arm of his heartbeat – the words underneath say: ‘Mom is proud of you, Ronan’ and his name is in his own writing. His mantra was to make me proud.
I’d give my life today for Ronan, if I could.
I wish I gave my heart to him to save him. Every child deserves to grow up safely and I wish my son had this opportunity.
A 52-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a serious assault on Muirhouse Park at around 5.20am yesterday morning (Wednesday, 14 August, 2024).
A 43-year-old woman was taken to hospital for treatment.
This is being treated as an isolated incident and there was no wider risk to the public.
The man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today.
More than 150 of the people arrested in connection with this month’s violent disorder have already faced their day in court, data released on Friday has revealed.
The rapid action taken across the justice system by police, prosecutors and those working in courts has led to 118 of those individuals being remanded into custody in a collective effort to keep communities safe and free from further violence.
More than 500 prison places are also being brought online to boost capacity over the coming weeks and ensure there are cells ready to receive all those sent to custody by the courts.
The latest data released shows that as of Thursday 8 August 2024:
176 defendants had a first hearing scheduled in the magistrates’ court and 154 have already taken place
6 were sentenced in the magistrates’ court
50 have been sent to Crown Court for sentencing
72 have been sent to Crown Court for trial
26 cases will have another hearing in the magistrates’ court
All these numbers will increase over the coming days and weeks as more and more suspects are arrested, charged and sent to court.
Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said: “The mindless minority who caused and took part in the disgraceful scenes we witnessed were warned they would soon feel the full force of the law.
“This data shows that many have already seen the inside of a courtroom and will see a stint behind bars too. Where they have gone, more will follow.
“I would like to pay tribute to the thousands of dedicated professionals across the criminal justice system who have worked tirelessly so such swift action could be taken.”
First Minister John Swinney held further talks with Police Scotland yesterday to receive a further update on preparedness should any disorder emerge in Scotland over the weekend.
Throughout the week the First Minister has remained in regular contact with Police Scotland to discuss the ongoing situation and support work to promote community cohesion across the country.
Earlier this week he brought faith and refugee community leaders together and held talks with leaders of political parties and Police Scotland to unequivocally condemn all forms of violence, prejudice and Islamophobia.
The First Minister has also written to X, Meta and TikTok to ask what action they are taking to combat the spread of misinformation, and to address racist and hateful material on their platforms.
The First Minister said: “The last few days have been a challenging and worrying time for many with the scenes of violence unfolding in other parts of the United Kingdom.
“I would like to thank Police Scotland for their continued work to protect our communities. Their ongoing engagement across Scotland and enhanced patrols are vital to support community cohesion and ensure public safety.
“We remain vigilant to the potential for disorder in Scotland and I have been reassured by Police Scotland that it has the capability and resources in place to respond should we face similar challenges, and that plans and preparations are in place to ensure everybody is kept safe.
“While officers and staff are doing their part to keep us all safe – there is no place in Scotland for hatred of any kind, and each of us has a responsibility to confront racism and religious prejudice, including islamaphobia, wherever and whenever it appears, and do all we can to strengthen community cohesion.”
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said: “Officers right across Scotland continue to provide reassurance to communities across the country through enhanced patrols and direct engagement.
“You may see more officers in our towns and cities and we are closely monitoring the situation to ensure any potential for violence or disorder in Scotland is identified quickly and responded to immediately.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered a statement from Downing Street yesterday:
I utterly condemn the far-right thuggery we have seen this weekend.
Be in no doubt: those who have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law.
The police will be making arrests.
Individuals will be held on remand.
Charges will follow. And convictions will follow.
I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder.
Whether directly or those whipping up this action online, and then running away themselves.
This is not protest. It is organised, violent thuggery.
And it has no place on our street or online.
Right now, there are attacks happening on a hotel in Rotherham.
Marauding gangs intent on law breaking. Or worse.
Windows smashed.
Fires set ablaze.
Residents and staff in absolute fear.
There is no justification – none – for taking this action. And all right-minded people should be condemning this sort of violence.
People in this country have a right to be safe.
And yet, we’ve seen Muslim communities targeted.
Attacks on Mosques.
Other minority communities singled out.
Nazi salutes in the street.
Attacks on the police.
Wanton violence alongside racist rhetoric.
So, no, I won’t shy away from calling this what it is: Far-right thuggery.
To those who feel targeted because of the colour of your skin…
Or your faith…
I know how frightening this must be.
I want you to know this violent mob do not represent our country.
And we will bring them to justice.
Our police deserve our support, as they tackle any and all violent disorder that flares up.
Whatever the apparent cause or motivation we make no distinction.
Crime is crime.
And this government will tackle it.
Thank you.
The Prime Minister will hold an emergency COBRA meeting this morning.
Mosques to be offered new emergency security
Mosques are being offered greater protection with new emergency security that can be rapidly deployed
The new rapid response process means mosques at risk of violent disorder can be offered additional security personnel, providing communities with vital support and reassurance. This will boost the work already being done by local police forces to protect these important places of worship.
Under the new process now in place, the police, local authorities and mosques can ask for rapid security to be deployed, protecting communities and allowing for a return to worship as quickly as possible.
This announcement will build on the existing Protective Security for Mosques Scheme, with up to £29.4 million already available this year to fund security at mosques and Muslim faith schools.
Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper said: “Britain is a proud and tolerant country, and nobody should make any excuses for the shameful actions of the hooligans, thugs and extremist groups who have been attacking police officers, looting local shops or attacking people based on the colour of their skin.
“In light of the disgraceful threats and attacks that local mosques have also faced in many communities, the government is providing rapid additional support through the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme, alongside the support from local police forces and we repeat that anyone involved in this disorder and violence will face the full force of the law.
“As a nation we will not tolerate criminal behaviour, dangerous extremism, and racist attacks that go against everything our country stands for.”
The Government has made clear that targeted attacks on Muslim communities will not be tolerated. All those involved in violent disorder, including attacks on the police, local communities, arson and looting should expect to face the full force of the law.
The new arrangements have been deployed and are already providing additional security for mosques across the country this weekend. The scheme also remains open for general applications and all those eligible are encouraged to apply.
TUC ANTI FAR RIGHT STATEMENT
We stand together in peace and solidarity with the people of Southport following the horrific events that took place on Monday 29th July have left us all in shock.
Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who have died and are receiving treatment for their injuries. They should be the priority for everyone who cares about what has happened
Instead some have sought to use the tragic event in Southport to divide and spread hate – based on mistruths and false information. Far right thugs have taken to the streets of Southport, Hartlepool and London to attack Police and emergency service workers, to target Muslim communities with xenophobic hatred and to despoil the memories of those whose lives were so tragically cut short.
We must not let them get away with their lies and division. Trade unions have always been at the heart of efforts to unite communities and stand against hate. But the challenge feels even more urgent now.
Whilst what took place in Southport leaves a dark shadow, we have seen some of the best of us. Our emergency service workers who rushed to danger, who provided and continue to provide life-saving care. Our public service workers providing ongoing care and support and practical help. Our teachers and support staff in the schools attended by young people affected and our community organisations who have stepped up to help and provide counselling.
So many other individuals, local businesses and organisations who are giving their time and expertise. They all deserve our gratitude. They have discharged their duty professionally, diligently and with compassion for their community.
Once again, it is a diverse range of front-line workers and community activists who have stepped up to repair the damage – material, physical and emotional.
Southport and our communities across the country do not need to meet violence with further violence. Whipping up hate and fear is not acceptable.
As trade unions, we will continue to work with our members in workplaces across the country, to provide practical support and solidarity and defeat the narrative of hate.
Our unions call for an end to the violence and intimidation, and for all those who perpetrate these acts to be brought to justice.
Unity is our strength, and we will stand firm against those that aim to pit different workers and communities against each other.
Shopkeepers step up measures to combat rising crime
Almost three-quarters of retailers surveyed have suffered from crime in the last 12 months
Crime costing retailers nearly £60,000 per year on average – with some losing more than £500,000
Retailers forced to adopt protective measures like bodycams, panic alarms and self-defence training
British Retail Consortium says ‘scourge in retail crime must be stamped out’
NFU Mutual issues key prevent and protect advice
New figures lay bare the true cost of crime to the UK’s high-street, as retailers look to take desperate measures in the face of an alarming rise in theft and violence.
The research* from commercial insurer NFU Mutual shows that nearly three-quarters of retailers (74%) surveyed have suffered from crime over the past 12 months – costing shops an average of almost £60,000 in that time. Shockingly, NFU Mutual found that one in 20 retailers had lost half a million pounds to crime over the same time period.
In a bid to try and combat the costly and widespread issue, almost two-thirds of retailers say they have had to take security measures in the last year alone. That includes a variety of physical and technological protection, with a quarter employing full-time security and 66% installing CCTV.
Some businesses have resorted to more drastic measures to protect staff, with 32% training employees on safety and self-defence, and just shy of a quarter giving staff both bodycams (24%) and nearly as many giving staff panic alarms on their person and on counters (23%).
The rise in crime is felt beyond monetary loss alone, with more than a third of retailers (37%) saying it’s impacted their mental health and three in 10 admitting they live in fear of theft or violence on their store.
Zoe Knight, Head of Commercial at NFU Mutual, said:“Our study shows a worrying number of our retailers are falling victim to crime, which continues to plague our shops, and more than eight in 10 (81%) believe it has increased in the last year.
“With retailers on average suffering losses of around £60,000 a year as a result of theft, the results of this survey will concern the industry.
“And the impact of this ongoing crime wave clearly extends way beyond a cost perspective, with a worrying number saying incidents have had a negative impact on their mental health and others constantly living in fear they will be targeted.
“What is clear, and important to see, is people are making a huge effort to protect their stock, staff and premises. While it does come at a cost, we would urge all retailers to do everything they can to deter thieves to feel as protected and supported as they can, should the worst happen.”
The most common type of crime retailers have suffered was the theft of goods from the shopfloor or stockroom in working hours (48%), with verbal violence or assault against staff and customers (38%), overnight theft (23%), criminal damage (20%) and theft of money from tills or safe (13%) also featuring highly.
The British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) crime survey, revealed in February, further highlighted the issue and the action that needs to take place to tackle incidents in the sector.
Tom Ironside, Director of Business & Regulation at the BRC, said:“Violence and abuse take a huge toll on retail workers, their families, and their friends. While incidents might be over in a few minutes, victims can carry these experiences with them for a lifetime – and can have a severe impact on victims physical and mental health.
“Everyone has a right to go to work without fearing for their safety, and we must stamp out this scourge in retail crime once and for all for the sake of all the hardworking people in retail.”
NFU Mutual Risk Management Services’ advice for retailers to protect against shoplifting:
Use customer service as a tool to deter thieves – greeting them lets them know they have been acknowledged and may deter them as they have been identified
Make sure store layouts are organised and tidy, placing high-value or items which are more desirable for thieves in monitorable areas. Consider adding mirrors to the store to reduce blind spots
If possible, limit the number of high value items on display and secure remaining stock within a robust, lockable area
Train staff to recognise shoplifting tactics and ensure they know how to keep themselves safe from the risk of violence
Consider displaying signage in-store notifying thieves that they will be prosecuted
Try to minimise cash takings and use counter caches to deposit cash during opening hours. Install a good quality compliant safe which is fixed in place and preferably kept in an alarm protected area
NFU Mutual Risk Management Services’ advice for retailers to protect against break-ins:
Ensure all doors and windows have good quality locks (to BS3621) which cannot be opened from the outside or from the inside without the use of a key
Always keep keys to doors, windows, and safes, in a secure location. Always remove them from your premises outside of business hours and limit their distribution amongst managers or staff.
Consider investing in good shutters, grilles and bars on doors and windows.
If investing in an intruder alarm, ensure it is installed by a NSI or SSAIB approved company, compliant to EN1350-1 and provides remote signalling to an alarm receiving centre
If investing in surveillance (CCTV) ensure it provides good quality images, is recorded to the cloud with links to mobiles and/or remote monitoring, and meets requirements of GDPR
Be aware of cyber threats and make sure you have cyber insurance in place should the worst happen
Consider hiring data protection specialists to provide ongoing security of your data
Have a robust policy in place for responding to intruder alarm activations – i.e. don’t let a keyholder turn up on their own
For Bradbeers Department Store, the issue of theft has been a problem which has cost thousands in both stock loss and prevention.
Over the last seven years, Bradbeers – which has five department and furniture stores in Hampshire and Wiltshire – has seen thousands of pounds worth of stock stolen and thousands of pounds spent on various deterrents.
A family-owned, independent retailer, Bradbeers stocks male and female clothing brands including Barbour, Gant, Joules, Ben Sherman, Hobbs and Phase Eight, while also selling high-end fragrance and beauty products, fashion accessories and homewares.
The most recent incident in December saw thieves smash through a toughened window in the early hours of the morning and make their way to steal men’s stock, including Gant and Barbour.
“Staff are called, and police alerted by the alarm monitoring company as soon as an incident happens, which can be at any time of the night,” Mark Hall, Bradbeers’ Property and Procurement Manager, said.
“The problem isn’t just the stock loss but it’s the whole process afterwards – getting the glass cleared, boarding up and re-securing, police reporting and forensics, quotations for repairs, alarm resetting – it is a time-consuming process.
“Attempted theft in our geographical area has been on the increase from what we have noticed. It could well be to do with the cost of living with thieves trying to get expensive goods they can then sell on easily – some stock has been recovered by police, but it’s often been the sort of items that criminals can move on fairly quickly, that never get found.”
A further incident in December last year highlighted another increasing issue in the industry – violence towards staff, as thieves engaged in an altercation with shop workers who tried to stop them from stealing vacuum cleaners.
“It was an afternoon incident and thieves took four vacuum cleaners and tried to run out with them,” said Mark. “Two of our female members of staff managed to recover some items after trying to fight them off.
“Staff safety is paramount, but sometimes the adrenaline kicks in. We are an independent, family business and people that work here feel upset that others would come in and try to steal from us.”
The company has installed metal roller shutter doors and smoke cloak fogging devices among a host of other protection measures, and extensive CCTV which has proved useful to police in identifying perpetrators.
“It really is a big issue and not just for us, but for the retail sector as a whole,” said Mark. “However, we have certainly seen the benefit of the investments we have made to minimise incidents.”
