A car fire on Parkgrove Green in Clermiston raises concerns over youth behaviour and ongoing gang-related disturbances in Edinburgh.
A disturbing incident unfolded in the Clermiston area of Edinburgh late on Thursday, March 20, when a vehicle was reported to have been set ablaze on Parkgrove Green. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene, with loud bangs echoing through the streets before the SUV erupted into flames shortly before midnight.
One local resident recounted the frightening experience, stating, “I heard loud bangs then the flames before the fire service arrived. Word is apparently youths were seen on e-bikes setting off fireworks so it could be linked to that.” Their comments highlight concerns within the community, particularly regarding groups of youths using e-bikes and engaging in dangerous behaviour with fireworks in the area.
Emergency services were quick to respond to the situation, with a fire appliance from Crew Toll arriving at the scene following reports of the car fire at approximately 11:33 PM. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the blaze by 12:41 AM, ensuring that the environment was safe before departing. Photographic evidence from the scene showcased the remnants of a charred Ford EcoSport, with burnt debris strewn around the site.
In a broader context, this incident coincides with ongoing gang-related violence in Edinburgh. The police have been actively investigating recent firebombings connected to rival factions within the criminal underworld. Notably, a beauty salon and two other properties were set on fire earlier this month, reportedly as retribution linked to a high-stakes criminal heist involving substantial quantities of narcotics.
Mark Richardson, a convicted drug lord currently serving a sentence for firearms possession, has been identified as a central figure in this escalating conflict. Following intelligence regarding rising violence, authorities quickly transferred Richardson from Glenochil jail to another facility. Investigations suggest that a recent theft of cocaine valued at hundreds of thousands of pounds may have exacerbated tensions among criminal groups, leading to a heightened risk of violence.
Sources close to the situation indicated that police are employing multiple strategies to monitor and manage the disturbances. They are focusing on gathering intelligence to anticipate potential future confrontations and prevent further escalations in violence.
The police remain engaged in addressing the situation, with ongoing efforts to mitigate the risks associated with gang warfare in the city. Police Scotland has been contacted for further comment regarding the night’s events and their implications for community safety.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2024/11/police-report-considerable-traffic-disruption-to-drum-brae-clermiston-area-and-urge-caution/ – This article mentions the Clermiston area of Edinburgh, which is relevant to the context of the incident described. It highlights the police’s role in managing disruptions in the area.
- https://substack.com/home/post/p-158503192 – This source mentions an incident in Clermiston Road North involving a car, which aligns with the area where the vehicle fire occurred. It also touches on concerns about deliberate actions in the area.
- https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinburgh-residents-call-for-action-to-stop-park-being-taken-over-by-travellers-5029101 – This article discusses community concerns in Clermiston, which is relevant to the broader context of community safety and disturbances in the area.
- https://www.policescotland.co.uk/about-us/news/ – This is the official Police Scotland news page, which would typically provide updates on investigations and efforts to manage gang-related violence in Edinburgh.
- https://www.scottishfireandrescue.gov.uk/news/ – This is the official news page of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, which would report on incidents like the car fire in Clermiston.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The incident occurred recently, on March 20, indicating that the information is current and not recycled from older news.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
A local resident is quoted, but no specific source or date for the quote is provided. Without further context, it’s difficult to verify if this is the first use of the quote.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Daily Record, a well-known publication in Scotland, which generally provides reliable local news.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about gang-related violence and recent fires in Edinburgh are plausible given the context of ongoing criminal investigations and tensions in the area.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be fresh and relevant, with a reliable source. While the quote’s originality cannot be fully verified, the context and details provided align with plausible recent events in Edinburgh.
