Schoolgirl threatened by man on Union Canal path as police study CCTV after 'concerns'

Police are studying CCTV footage after a nine-year-old girl was threatened by a man on a canal path in Edinburgh.

Officers were made aware of a report of threatening behaviour towards the schoolgirl around 7.35pm on Wednesday, November 6 on a footpath along the Union Canal.

Officers said they are aware of other reports of similar behaviour in the area being raised by the community.

Reports of assaults and threatening behaviour received by police last month are not believed to be linked to the incident involving the nine-year-old.

Community Policing Inspector Keith Forrester said: “Around 7.35pm on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, we were made aware of a report of threatening behaviour towards a nine-year-old girl on a footpath along the Union Canal in Edinburgh.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and officers are reviewing CCTV from the area.”

Inspector Forrester added that officers are increasing high-visibility patrols in the area.

He said: “We are aware of concerns in the community following reports recently of assaults and threatening behaviour on footpaths along the Union Canal in the Edinburgh area.

“Following enquiries, these incidents are not being treated as linked and enquiries are ongoing to identify those responsible.

“Community Policing Teams are carrying out additional, high visibility patrols of the area.

“Anyone with information or concerns can speak to these officers, call 101, or, in the case of an emergency, dial 999.”

Police appealed for information last month after two assaults on the path on Sunday, October 13, when a 31-year-old man was attacked while cycling near Harrison Park around 7pm.

He was taken to hospital for treatment and later discharged.

A second incident happened near 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 another incident at 5.40pm on the same day near Meggetland Bridge, where a man acted in a threatening manner towards a woman.

All three of those incidents are being treated as linked by officers.

Police said they 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 has 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, October 13, 2024.

“Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.”