Lothian and Borders Police responded to an address in West Tollcross, Edinburgh at around 6.20pm on Tuesday 17 January, after reports of a disturbance.

When they arrived, officers discovered a female who had sustained serious injuries to her upper body. Despite the best efforts of ambulance crews, she succumbed to these injuries.

A 28 year old male is currently in custody in connection with the incident.

In the meantime, officers are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed or heard a disturbance in the area at the time.

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Police in Edinburgh investigating the murder of a Polish man in Leith are appealing to taxi drivers to help trace a man who they believe can help them with their inquiries.

Thirty four year old Maciej Ciania was found dead in his flat in Dickson Street last Saturday morning (14 January) by his flatmate.

Detectives working on the case are now keen to trace a man who may have hailed a taxi in the Leith area on Friday night.

In particular, police would like to speak to any taxi drivers who may have picked up a fare between 10.45 – 11.30pm on Friday 13 January, who matches the following description:

A man in his twenties, wearing a dark jacket and grey trousers. He may have spoken with an Eastern European accent.

He may have got in a taxi on Easter Road, Leith Walk, or any of the surrounding streets.

Similarly, officers would like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and who may have seen a man fitting the description walking around the vicinity of Dickson Street.

Detective Superintendent Allan Jones said: “Mr Ciania suffered considerably at the hands of his killer, and, as a matter of urgency, we are keen to trace anyone who can help us in our inquiries.

“I would appeal to taxi drivers, residents and anyone in the area between Leith Walk and Easter Road, including the adjoining streets, between 10.45 and 11.30pm who may recognise the man from this description to come forward immediately.

“We have been linking in closely with Mr Ciania’s family in rural Poland and they are understandably absolutely devastated by his death. They have lost a much loved son and brother and we are determined to find the person responsible to allow them some resolution.

“Mr Ciania was also known as ‘MC’, and we are hoping that this may jog the memories of others who might not have otherwise come forward.

“Translation services are available for any witnesses who require it, and we can provide Polish speaking officers if preferable.”

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On the evening of Wednesday 18th January, members of the Edinburgh and District Advanced Motorcyclists Group (EDAM) will attend an open evening at the Safety Camera partnership.  This group is already a key partner of L&B Road Policing as they provide the on-road assessed rides for the BikeSafe road safety programme.

 

 

Safety Camera Partnership
Edinburgh and District Advanced Motorcyclists Group
Bikesafe Scotland

 

The evening will give members an insight into the working practices used by both the Camera Partnership and Road Policing. It will also give them the chance to meet with RP officers and Camera operators to discuss their work, as well as advanced riding techniques. As well as camera operators, members of the L&B Motorcycle Section and car patrol teams will also be present.

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Police in Edinburgh are appealing for information after a woman was assaulted in the Warriston area of the Capital on Thursday 5th January.

The incident happened on a walkway known as Chancelot Path, near Clark Road, in mid-afternoon.

The victim was walking her dog and had just turned into Chancelot Path, 30 metres past its junction with the Ferry Road path, Golden Acre path and Hawthornvale path, when she was attacked from behind by a man who grabbed her and punched her in the face, before attempting to drag her into a wooded area.

A struggle took place, before the suspect made off in an unknown direction.

He is described as white, 25-35 years, 6ft tall, and of medium build. He had short dark hair, an oval-shaped long face, very dark eyes, a drawn complexion, large hands, and protruding ears. He was wearing dark jeans or trousers, a black or grey cotton hooded top, where the hood was a lighter colour than the rest of the jacket, and dark coloured jeans.
A police spokesman said: “While the victim did not suffer any serious injury she was understandably distressed as a result of being attacked, and we are appealing for any information that can help us track down the suspect.

“Anyone who was using any of the walkways in the Warriston area on Thursday 5th January, who noticed anyone acting suspiciously there, should contact police immediately.

“Likewise anyone who recognises the description of the suspect should also get in touch.

“At this time we are keeping an open mind to the possibility that the assault may be linked to a similar incident that happened exactly a week later (Thursday 12th January), where a woman was assaulted in the Gillespie Road area of the city.

“Inquiries into this incident are continuing, and as well as carrying out increased patrols in the areas where both assaults occurred, officers will be visiting the scene of each incident this Thursday afternoon (January 19) in a bid to speak to pedestrians and gather information.”

Anyone with information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

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Lothian and Borders Police can confirm the two harrier hawks that were reported stolen from Loanhead on Friday (January 13) were recovered and reunited with their owner on Saturday night (January 14).

A police spokesperson said: “While we are pleased that the hawks have been reunited with their rightful owner, the fact they have been mistreated is concerning and inquiries are continuing to establish exactly who took them.

“Once again we would urge anyone with any information regarding this to contact police on 0131 311 3131.”

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