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.”

Police issue CCTV appeal following Stockbridge incident

Police Scotland have released images of a man who may be able to assist them with their enquiries into an incident which occurred on Friday, 11 October, 2024, at around 9pm in the Stockbridge area.

The man (pictured) is described as white, heavy build, clean shaven and around 35 to 40 years old. He was seen to be wearing denim jeans, a dark baseball cap with writing on it and a black hooded top with ‘Hard Rock Café’ written on the front with further writing on the back.​

The man pictured, anyone who may recognise him or anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 3729 11 October 2024.

Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give information anonymously.

Police appeal following Stockbridge robbery

POLICE are appealing for information following a robbery at an address on Saxe Coburg Street in Edinburgh.

Around 9.10pm on Friday, 11 October, a man entered the property, threatened the 92-year-old male occupant, and stole a quantity of cash before leaving in an unknown direction,

The suspect is described as a white male, mid 30s to 40s, of average build and clean shaven. He was wearing a long knee-length dark blue jacket with large white writing down the front and a dark grey baseball cap.

Detective Sergeant Martin Smith of Corstorphine CID said: “Thankfully the victim was not injured during the robbery however it was still a very distressing experience for him.

“Our enquiries into this incident are ongoing and we are appealing to anyone with information or who thinks they may have seen a man matching the description to contact us.

“We are also keen for any local residents with private CCTV or possible dashcam footage to come forward.

“Anyone who can help is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3729 of 11 October. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Police appeal following post-match disorder in city centre

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.

Leith assault: Do you know this man?

Police have released an image of a man they wish to speak to as part of an ongoing investigation into an assault which occurred between 12.30pm and 1pm on Wednesday, 31 July 2024 near Lochend Butterfly Way and Albion Road in Leith.

Officers are appealing for the man in the picture to contact them as he could have vital information which could assist their enquiries.

They are also asking anyone who recognises the man in the image to get in touch with any information they may have.

Anyone with information can contact 101, quoting incident number 1684 of the 31 July. Alternatively, an anonymous call can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Ferry Gait Drive incident: Do you know ‘goggles man’?

Police have released an image of a male officers would like to speak to in connection with an assault and robbery which occurred on Sunday, 7 July, 2024 at around 11.30pm on Ferry Gait Drive.

Officers believe the man in the image could assist them in their ongoing enquiries and are appealing for the man himself or anyone who may recognise him, or has information about this incident, to get in touch. 

The male (pictured) is described as aged in his 30s, between 5ft 7ins and 5ft 10ins in height, was seen to be wearing a suit, goggles over his eyes and a blue baseball cap with an ‘LA’ logo.

Anyone who recognises the male pictured or has any information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 3947 of 7 July, 2024.

Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where you can give information anonymously.

Police appeal for witnesses following Leith arson attack

POLICE are appealing for information after three cars were deliberately set on fire in Leith.

Around 11.35pm on Monday (9 September 2024), a black Vauxhall Crossland, a black Vauxhall Corsa and a white Vauxhall Corsa were on fire at a premises on St Clair Street, Edinburgh.

The fires were extinguished by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and there were no reports of any injuries.

Detective Constable Kirsten Luke said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing for anyone with any information to contact us.

“I would appeal to anyone who witnessed anything around this time or who may have dash cam footage which could assist us to get in touch.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 4241 of 9 September, 2024.

Hit and run on The Wisp: Police appeal

POLICE are appealing for information following a serious crash in Edinburgh yesterday (Saturday, 7 September, 2024).

Around 2.10pm officers were called to the collision involving a white van and a pedestrian on The Wisp.

The pedestrian, a 31-year-old woman, was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where she remains in a serious but stable condition.

The van failed to stop and was seen making off in the direction of Old Dalkeith Road and Ferniehill Drive.

The road was closed while investigations were carried out and reopened around 6.15pm.

Enquiries are ongoing to trace the van and driver and officers are appealing for witnesses.

Road Policing Constable Andrew Crothers said: “It’s vital we trace the van involved in this incident and I’m appealing to the public for help.

“Were you in the area at the time and witnessed what happened? Did you see a white van in the Old Dalkeith Road or Ferniehill Drive areas? If so, please come forward.

“I’m also appealing to anyone with a dashcam, private CCTV or doorbell cameras to please review your footage and bring anything you think may be of significance to our attention.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 1978 of 7 September. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

88 year old woman carjacked in Edinburgh: Man charged

UPDATE: MAN CHARGED

A 19-year-old man has been arrested and charged following a robbery in Edinburgh. The incident happened in the Robert Burns Drive area around 10pm on Tuesday, 27 August.

The man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow – Friday, 30 August.

POLICE are appealing for information following a robbery which occurred in Edinburgh last night (Tuesday, 27 August).

Around 10pm an 88-year-old woman was driving her bronze coloured Honda Jazz with her 93-year-old female friend when they stopped on Robert Burns Drive near to its junction with Mossgiel Walk.

While the car was stopped, three or four males dressed in dark clothing and wearing face coverings approached the vehicle and demanded the women get out.

The suspects entered the car and drove off at speed along Robert Burns Drive.

Police were contacted and the car was later found abandoned in the Harlaw Reservoir car park around 11.10pm.

Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “This was an incredibly distressing experience for the two elderly women, who thankfully were not hurt, and extensive enquiries are ongoing to identify the individuals involved.

“It is vital that we speak to any potential witnesses and we would appeal to anyone who was in the area around the time of the robbery who may have noticed men matching the above description, or anything at all suspicious, to get in touch.

“We would also urge anyone with private CCTV or dash-cam footage to please check in case they have captured the stolen vehicle or anything else which could be of significance to our investigation.”

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 4112 of Tuesday, 27 August, 2024. You can also speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Leith Links robbery: Witness appeal

Detectives are appealing for witnesses following a robbery which occurred in the Leith area on Monday night (12 August, 2024).

Around 11pm a 38-year-old woman was walking through Leith Links, close to Duncan Place, when she was approached by a man who grabbed her rucksack, causing her to fall to the ground.

The suspect made off towards Restalrig Road and Link Gardens.

The suspect is described as a white male, 30 to 40 years-old, 5ft6 and of thin build. He was wearing a long sleeved top, trousers, a dark baseball cap and spoke with a Scottish accent.

He was also in possession of a black and green mountaineering style rucksack which contained clothing and a number of high value items.

Detective Sergeant Ashley Rea said: “Thankfully the victim was not injured during the robbery however it was still a very distressing experience.

“We are appealing for anyone who was in the surrounding area around 11pm on Monday night who saw a man matching the suspect’s description, or who may have private CCTV or dash-cam footage of significance, to please get in touch.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2616 of Monday, 12 August, 2024. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”