Andy Gibson's Informing Britain - Informing Scotland

13-YEAR-OLD ASSAULTED ABERDEEN POLICE APPEAL FOR WITNESSES | INFORMING BRITAIN

23/1/2019

Police Scotland Officers in Aberdeen are appealing for witnesses following a report of an assault on a 13 year old boy in the Rosehill Drive area of Aberdeen.

The incident happened at approximately 18:25 on Sunday, 20 January 2019, near to the TSB Bank on Rosehill Drive.

As a result the 13-year-old boy, who had been in the company of other youths, received minor injuries but did not require hospital treatment.

Police are looking to trace a man in connection with the incident who may be able to assist with enquiries. He is understood to have been the passenger in a small silver car, possibly a Vauxhall Corsa or similar, with a registration which began with SV55. Both the man and the boy were seen to run across Rosehill Drive.

The man is described as being aged in his 30's and roughly 5 foot 11 inches in height with a stocky build and with short dark hair. He was wearing dark clothing.

The vehicle left the scene in the direction of Rowan Road.

Enquiry officer PC Niall Sutherland for Police Scotland said:

“The boy has not been seriously injured however this has understandably been an upsetting incident."

“The area would have been busy with traffic and pedestrians at the time and I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident or saw the vehicle to get in contact with us on 101 quoting reference number CF0016030119."

"Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

SCOTTISH POLICE OFFICIALLY INITIATE SEARCH FOR MISSING BUCKIE MAN | INFORMING BRITAIN

15/1/2019

Officers in Buckie are ongoing with efforts to trace missing person, Alan Morrison, who was last seen on Christmas Eve (2018).

The 47-year-old was reported missing to Police Scotland on Friday 11 January 2019, after his family raised concerns they had not seen or heard from him in more than two weeks.

Enquiries have been ongoing in the vicinity of his home at Lawson Place to establish his last movements, with searches also launched in the area by specialist teams.

Detective Inspector Norman Stevenson said:

“To help with our searches I’m asking people who live in Buckie to check their gardens, sheds and any outbuildings to make sure that Alan hasn’t taken shelter. In addition if you are out walking in the area please keep an eye out for any sign of activity. Searches will be carried out by specialist teams in particular focusing on the Burn Of Buckie, however simple checks and vigilance could help us greatly. All I ask is that you don’t put yourself in any danger.”

DI Stevenson added:

"It has been more than three weeks now since Alan was last seen and we have yet to receive any positive sightings of him since Christmas Eve. It is extremely concerning that he wasn’t in touch with his family over the festive period, in particular Christmas Day, and as more time passes our concerns for him understandably grow."

“Alan was last seen at his home on Christmas Eve but wasn’t there when his family checked on him on Christmas Day therefore he must have left that night. Did you see him that evening? Or do you have dash-cam footage of the area which may have captured him? I appreciate this footage may be wiped by now but if you do have information which could assist please let us know.”

Alan is described as being around 5 foot 9 inches in height, of a medium build with short dark and grey receding hair and a beard.

It is believed he is to be wearing black Adidas Samba trainers, a long-sleeved dark T-shirt, a navy padded jacket and could also be wearing a beanie hat and gloves.

He is also a heavy smoker.

Anyone with information should call Police on 101 quoting ref. no. 2636 of Friday 11 January 2019.

POLICE APPEALING FOR WITNESSES AFTER SECURITY VAN ROBBERY IN DENNISTOUN | INFORMING BRITAIN

5/1/2019

Police Scotland are appealing for information after a 51-year-old man was robbed outside a bank in Glasgow.

© COLIN ROSS

At approximately 14:30 on Friday 4 January 2019, a security guard working for G4S, was delivering money to the Royal Bank of Scotland, Duke Street, Glasgow when he was approached by two men and threatened with weapons.

The men then made off with his cash box containing a five figure sum of money.

The suspects made off in a small silver coloured vehicle which was set alight shortly after on Myreside Street, Glasgow.

The 51-year-old security guard was uninjured although left with extreme emotional scarring.

Detective Sergeant Graham McCreadie at the Community Investigation Unit based at Helen Street, Govan said:

“This was a terrifying and dangerous attack which has left a man, who was only doing his job, traumatised. The suspects have then made off with a large sum of money and later set the car they made off in on fire."

“Following enquiries we know that from Myreside Street, they then got into a black coloured 4x4 vehicle."

“Officers are currently carrying out extensive enquiries, however we would ask that anyone who was near to the bank, anyone who may have seen either of the vehicles mentioned or anyone who has dash cam footage from that area to get in touch with police immediately.”

DESCRIPTIONS

The suspects are described as:

Suspect 1:

White male.

Between 5 foot 8 inches to 5 foot 10 inches in height.

Slim build wearing a black hooded top, black jogging trousers and a scarf covering his face.

Suspect 2.

White male.

Approximately 5 foot 8 inches in height.

Slim build wearing dark clothing and a dark hat.

WHAT CAN PUBLIC DO?

Anyone with any information should contact Police via 101, quoting incident number 1831 of Friday 4 January 2018.

Alternatively you can contact CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

AIR SUPPORT FOOTAGE RELEASED IN SEARCH FOR MISSING LIAM SMITH | INFORMING BRITAIN

20/12/2018

Investigating officers have released footage captured by the Police Scotland helicopter to demonstrate the challenging terrain tackled by specialist police teams as part of searches to trace missing teenager Liam Smith.

The 16-year-old was reported missing from his home in Aberdeen’s Queen’s Road on Sunday 18 November 2018, having last been seen there on Saturday, 17 November 2018. Then subsequently at Union Square in Aberdeen a few miles away as he was spotted on CCTV footage.

Liam was captured on CCTV entering Union Square later that afternoon and boarded a 202 StageCoach bus for Deeside at 13.11. He bought a ticket for Raemoir Road in Banchory but a fellow passenger reported that he got off in the Crathes area.

Significant searches have been carried out at the National Trust for Scotland Crathes Castle Estate as well as the area around the A93 including fields, water and dense woodland.

Specialist resources including the Police Scotland helicopter, specialist search dogs, police search advisors and the Dive and Marine Unit have been utilised but sadly there has been no trace of Liam or his belongings.

These searches have been supported by Mountain Rescue Teams from Aberdeen and Braemar.

Liam's mother, Alix, said:

"It is now been five weeks since we last saw Liam and the prospect of Christmas without him is a really difficult situation for us to face. We understand the public's interest and we really do appreciate the support everyone has given by sharing the posts and putting up posters. Police officers have been out searching the areas that Liam was last seen every single day since we reported him missing and we are truly grateful for everyone's perseverance in trying to locate him."

Alix added: "We continue to hope that Liam will be found."

Searches have been undertaken across Grampian.

Chief Inspector Martin Mackay said:

“We have had an overwhelming response to our appeals and more than 200 sightings of Liam have been reported. Every piece of information has been followed up but despite extensive enquiries and intensive searches carried out Liam is still missing. Our enquiries still suggest he would have travelled to the Crathes area. We urge residents, particularly in this area, to remain vigilant and report anything unusual to police."

“Intensive searches remain ongoing and will continue with the exception of Christmas Day. We know that many people have offered to assist with searches however we carry out these operations in a highly specialised, methodical way with officers who are trained and experienced. We have a plan in place to ensure that all the challenging land we need to cover is searched effectively with the use of the required specialist resources."

“The public in the North East and particularly the Banchory and Crathes communities have been incredibly supportive and we are very grateful for the assistance and support that has been provided."

“Regular reviews of the enquiry have been carried out and will continue as is standard with any long-term missing person investigation."

“We have remained in contact with Liam’s family and will continue to keep them updated.”

Liam is described as white, approximately 6 foot 4 inches in height and of slim build.

He has short brown hair and walks with a distinctive gait.

When he was last seen he was carrying a camouflage North Face rucksack and was wearing Nike Air Max trainers.

He bought Lucozade, Jaffa Cakes and Dairy Milk at Sainsbury's at Guild Street before he walked through Union Square to get the CCTV-less StageCoach bus at Aberdeen Bus Station.

Anyone with information are to contact Police Scotland on 101.

MURDER INQUIRY LAUNCHED IN LANARKSHIRE | INFORMING BRITAIN

17/12/2018

Police have launched a murder inquiry following the death of 37 year-old man in Rigside, Lanark, on Sunday 16 December 2018.

Ayr Road (DISCLAIMER: NOT THE PROPERTY MENTIONED IN THIS STORY)

At approximately 19:00 on Sunday evening, a disturbance took place between a number of men outside a house in Ayr Road, Lanark.

As a result, two men, William Gladstone JR (37) – known as Billy – from Newtonhead Road, Lanark, and a man aged 60, were seriously injured.

Both were taken by a third party to Wishaw General Hospital where Mr. William Gladstone JR died a short time later.

His relatives are aware.

The 60 year old man remains at the hospital for treatment and medical staff describe his condition as serious but stable.

No other people were reported to police as having been injured during the disturbance.

Officers are following a positive line of enquiry. However, no arrests have been made at this time.

Detective Chief Inspector David Scott, Major Investigations Team, said:

“It would appear that Mr. Gladstone and the 60 year old man drove to an address in Ayr Road near to Mansefield Place where they were attacked."

“Emergency services were called to a disturbance, however, all involved had made off prior to police arrival."

“Mr. Gladstone and the other injured man were taken by car to Wishaw General Hospital and that’s when police were made aware that they had been seriously assaulted."

“From enquiries we understand that a group of men were in the area around the time of the attack. It’s vital that we speak to them and I would urge them to contact the police as they may have information that would assist our enquiries."

“Although quite rural, Ayr Road is the main road between Uddingston and Rigside so it’s likely that other cars were on the road. I would ask anyone who saw any disturbance or any vehicles driving erratically in the area to contact police."

“I believe that this attack was not random and that those involved are known to each other. However, I know that this will be of concern to local people, so I would like to reassure them that additional officers will be in the area and anyone with concern should approach them."

“Officers are continuing house to house enquiries and reviewing CCTV footage to establish further information regarding the circumstances."

“If you have any information that will assist officers with the investigation, then please call Wishaw Police Station via 101. Quote reference number 3578 of the 16 December 2018 when calling. Alternatively, details can be passed in confidence to CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.”

William Gladstone who died as a result of injuries he sustained after being attacked.

POLICE NOT IGNORING CIVILIANS' OFFER OF SUPPORT IN SEARCH FOR ABERDEEN'S LIAM SMITH | INFORMING BRITAIN

11/12/2018

It's been over 4 weeks since a budding sportsman from Aberdeen by the name of Liam Smith was reported missing.

Liam, from the Queen's Road area of Aberdeen City was last seen boarding a StageCoach bus on Saturday 17 November 2018 at Aberdeen Bus Station adjacent to the Union Square shopping complex.

16-year-old Liam was last captured on CCTV at Union Square shortly before he boarded the 13:15, number 202 StageCoach bus on Saturday 17 November 2018, which would have taken him in the direction of Banchory, Aberdeenshire.

Hundreds of residents from the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire areas of Grampian have offered their assistance in the search but, for safety reasons, Police Scotland have to respectfully decline people's assistance.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland in Aberdeen said:

"At the moment there are no plans to involve the public. We know that many people have offered to assist with searches however we carry out these operations in a highly specialised, methodical way with officers who are trained and experienced. We have a plan in place to ensure that all the land we need to cover is searched effectively and that nothing is left unchecked."

"The land we're covering is also very challenging in places with areas of water and is only being searched by specialist officers and resources. Our priority is always public safety and we don’t want anyone put in harm's way."

"We know that people will be out walking in the Crathes and Banchory areas anyway and we would of course welcome anyone's efforts to keep an eye out for Liam. Please don't think that your offers of help are being ignored - organised public searches can be very resource and time-intensive to coordinate and, at the moment, our time is extremely precious."

It is believed Liam alighted a StageCoach at Crathes (at approximately 14:04) or Raemoir Road in Banchory (at approximately 14:11).

Liam is white, around 6 foot 4 inches tall and of slim build.

He has short brown hair and walks with a distinctive gait.

He was carrying a camouflage North Face rucksack and was wearing Nike Air Max trainers.

He bought Lucozade, Jaffa Cakes and Dairy Milk at Sainsbury's before he left Aberdeen.

Have you seen any of these items abandoned in the Grampian region: Lucozade bottle, Jaffa Cakes & Dairy Milk packets or anything in the images below?

Anyone with information are asked to contact police on 101 using reference number 1302 of Sunday 18 November 2018.

OFFICERS CONFIRM KINMYLIES BODY IDENTITY | INFORMING BRITAIN

11/12/2018

Police Scotland can confirm that the body found in the Lawers Way area of Inverness on Sunday 9 December 2018 at approximately 15:00 is that of missing Jade McGrath.

© McGrath Family / Google

The 19-year-old, originally from Aviemore, had been reported missing on Wednesday 28 November 2018.

There are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course.

Inspector James Rice said:

"Our thoughts are with Jade's family and friends at this sad time."

"We remain very grateful to the local community for their support during this enquiry."

BODY FOUND IN KINMYLIES AREA AFTER SEARCH FOR MISSING JADE | INFORMING BRITAIN

9/12/2018

Police Scotland can confirm they have recovered a body from Lawers Way, Inverness at approximately 15:00 on Sunday 9 December 2018.

© GOOGLE

The body is believed to be that of missing Jade McGrath from the Inverness area.

The family of Jade McGrath have been informed at this time.

Formal identification is still to take place.

A report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

FAMILY OF MISSING JADE ISSUE STATEMENT FOR SAFE RETURN | INFORMING BRITAIN

4/12/2018

The family of Jade McGrath, 19, reported missing in Inverness, have issued a statement through Police Scotland.

They said:

"As each day goes on, we are growing increasingly concerned for Jade and we just desperately want answers and to know where she is."

"There has been a massive amount of support from friends and family, as well as people we have never met, and that is what is keeping us going."

"Anyone who was in the Leachkin area last Wednesday afternoon from around 1.45pm, please think back and if you think you might have seen anything please call the police."

"Jade is about 5ft 2in, very petite with long bleached blonde hair with dark roots and only very faint wisps of blue in the ends."

"She was wearing a khaki green parka with a fluffy hood, which went down to her thighs, black leggings and black/white Nike trainers."

"She has distinctive Alice In Wonderland tattoos on one of her forearms. On the same arm she has diamond and club symbols from a pack of cards on her fingers, as well as a small diamond tattoo on her hand."

"She had no phone or money with her and she would most likely have been in a distressed state if you saw her."

"We are grateful to everyone who has helped so far and are just desperate for news."

"If Jade is reading this, we want you to know that we love you very much and we just want you home safe."

Further searches have been carried out today in and around the Leachkin area of Inverness as part of efforts to trace Jade almost a week on from when she was last seen.

The last confirmed sighting of the 19-year-old from Aviemore remains in the Leachkin Road area around 14:00 on Wednesday 28 November 2018.

© GOOGLE

Searches have been ongoing in and around the area, with police supported by members of the RAF and Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Teams, HM Coastguard.

Specialist resources such as police dogs and the Police Scotland helicopter have also been involved.

Officers will also be canvassing drivers and pedestrians in the area in the early afternoon of Wednesday 5 December 2018 - a week on from the last confirmed sighting of Jade - in case they have information which could prove helpful.

Inspector James Rice said:

"We are now almost a week on from when Jade was last seen and naturally her family are extremely anxious for news about her."

"We are very grateful for the continued support of the public and the numerous pieces of information which have been passed to us - you can be assured that everything passed to us is followed up."

"Despite extensive efforts and the information received from the public, the last confirmed sighting of Jade remains in the Leachkin Road area almost a week ago."

"We would continue to ask local residents to be watchful and let us know if you believe you have seen Jade last Wednesday or any time since."

"Please continue to check anywhere Jade could have sought shelter on your property, review any dash-cam footage or anything else which you think may prove helpful."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police on 101 quoting incident 1997 of Wednesday 28 November, 2018.

NEW IMAGES RELEASED AS MULTI-AGENCY SEARCH LAUNCHED FOR MISSING JADE | INFORMING BRITAIN

3/12/2018

A multi-agency search was launched by various authorities over this past weekend for missing 19-year-old Jade McGrath, with further searches and enquiries in Inverness continuing today (Monday 3 December, 2018).

MISSING PERSON: Jade McGrath

Police Scotland officers were assisted by mountain rescue teams, the coastguard, the Police Scotland dog unit and helicopter over the weekend, with air support continuing today.

Leachkin Road, Inverness | © GOOGLE

The search teams have been focusing in and around the Leachkin Road area, the last location we have a confirmed sighting of Jade last Wednesday early afternoon (28 November 2018).

AVIEMORE RAILWAY STATION: Did Jade take a train there?

Jade, who is from Aviemore, is vulnerable and as more days pass our concerns for her increase.

Inspector James Rice said:

“Extensive efforts are still ongoing to find Jade including CCTV and house-to-house enquiries alongside intelligence-led work to piece together her movements."

“We have received numerous sightings from the public – all of which I am grateful for and we continue to work through all information provided by the public. Our last confirmed sighting is still at Leachkin Road last Wednesday and I would urge anyone who saw Jade on this day or since then to please get in touch as soon as possible."

“If you live in the area please check any sheds or outbuildings in case Jade sought shelter. She is thought to be wearing a light grey turtle neck top, parka jacket, black leggings and black / white-coloured Nike trainers and would certainly not be warm enough for the cold weather. Also if you have dash-cam footage of the area which hasn’t been wiped yet, let us know."

“We are still keeping in close contact with Jade’s family who are well aware of the challenges of some of the woodland areas we have been searching."

“To Jade – I still appeal for you to come forward if you see this appeal You are not in any trouble – we all just want to make sure you are OK.”

Jade is described as being around 5 foot 1 inches / 5 foot 2 inches in hight and of a slim build with platinum blonde hair and blue eyes.

She has distinctive Alice In Wonderland tattoos.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police on 101 quoting incident 1997 of Wednesday 28 November, 2018.