Man arrested after attempted murder of police officer at petrol station

A man has been arrested after the alleged attempted murder of a police officer at a petrol station in Edinburgh.

The 32-year-old policeman was on foot at the Shell garage on Stenhouse Road on Tuesday when he was allegedly hit by a car.

He was seriously injured in the incident at around 7.25pm, which police say involved a stolen Mercedes GLE.

An ambulance, two special operations response teams (SORT) and a critical care paramedic were dispatched to the scene.

The officer was rushed to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment to non-life threatening injuries. He was later discharged.

The vehicle said to be involved in the incident was reported stolen from the Gorgie Road area of the city around 7.05pm on Tuesday.

At the time of the theft there was a 16-year-old passenger in the vehicle who managed to exit the car. He was not injured in the incident.

Police have confirmed that a 27-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a number of charges, including attempted murder, theft of a motor vehicle, abduction, dangerous driving and other road traffic offences.

He is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, July 11, 2024.

Detective inspector David McAlinden said: “This was a very serious incident and we are continuing to provide support to the officer and his family.

“I would like to thank members of the public for quickly coming to our colleague’s aid and for their assistance with our enquiries at the scene.

“We are aware that damage was done to several vehicles in the area during the incident and we would encourage any further witnesses, or anyone with information who have yet to speak with police, to please come forward.

“You can contact police on 101, quoting incident 2997 of July 9, 2024. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”

A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We received a call at 7.30pm to attend an incident on Stenhouse Road, Edinburgh.

“An ambulance, two special operations response teams (SORT) and a critical care paramedic were dispatched to the scene. One patient was transported to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and two patients were treated at the scene.”