Grampian Police Latest News

Fatal RTC: A95 Keith to Banff road

03/02/2012 00:00:00

Grampian Police have confirmed that one man has died and two women have been injured following a road traffic collision on the A95 Keith to Banff road on the morning of Thursday 2 February 2012.

The collision occurred about 10.55am on the A95, at the unclassified road leading to Braco Brae, Grange, and involved a black Subaru Tribeca and a green John Deere Tractor which was pulling a trailer.

The driver of the Subaru, a 70-year-old man from the Keith area, died at the scene. A 58-year-old female front seat passenger in the vehicle was taken by ambulance to Dr Grays Hospital in Elgin where she was treated for slight injuries. A 48-year-old female rear seat passenger was coveyed by Air Ambulance to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where she was treated for serious injuries. These injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

The 47-year-old male driver of the tractor was uninjured.

Inspector Scott Mann of the Road Policing Department said: "Tragically, a man has died as a result of this morning's collision. His family are aware and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time. Our enquiries into establishing the cause of the collision are clearly at a very early stage. Collision Invesigators have spent several hours carrying out a detailed examination of the scene which resulted in the road being closed until 7pm.

"We have already spoken with a number of witnesses at the scene and I'd like to thank all of those who stopped to assist. We would however, like anyone else who may have witnessed the collision, or its immediate aftermath and who has not yet spoken to Police, to contact us as soon as possible."

Grampian Police can be contacted on 0845 600 5 700.

Suspicious Fire, Kincorth

03/02/2012 00:00:00

Grampian Police are investigating a suspicious fire in the Kincorth area of Aberdeen.

The incident occurred between 9pm and 9.30pm on Thursday 2 February 2012, outside a block of flats on Gardner Crescent, Aberdeen.

As a result of the incident damage estimated at a low three figure sum of money was caused to the front door of the flats.

Grampian Police are keen to trace four male youths seen in the vicinity at the time of this incident.

The males are described as 13-14 years of age, slim build, approximately 5 foot in height. One of the males was on a Black BMX pedal cycle and they were believed to have attended at the shops on Gardner Road, Aberdeen, after this incident.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5 700, or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.

Suspicious Fire, Burghead

03/02/2012 00:00:00

Grampian Police are investigating a suspicious fire in the Burghead area of Moray.

The incident occurred during the early hours of Monday 30 January 2012, in the garden of a residential address in the village's Keith Road.

Constable Paul Thompson said: "This was a small fire which appears to have been started deliberately. Fortunately no damage was caused but the occupant was extremely alarmed on discovering the fire.

"The fire quickly burnt itself out, but had it spread, the consequences could have been very serious. There was no requirement for the Fire and Rescue Service to attend."

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5 700, or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.

Statement from the family of Grant Ritchie

03/02/2012 00:00:00

The family of missing man Grant Ritchie have thanked all those who have joined the search for their son and brother.

Grant's parents said: "The last few days have been particularly traumatic for us all but the most heartbreaking part is not knowing where Grant is or what has happened to him.

"We would like to thank everyone who has come out to help us in the search for our son and express our gratitude for their support at this time. It is comforting to see that so many of Grant's friends and the wider community are willing to put in such a great effort into helping us find him and that is an indication of how well thought of he is.

"We are keen to continue searching for Grant but we would also ask that anyone who would like to help is careful whilst searching.

"Everyone just wants to know where he is and what has happened to him. The search and rescue team were fantastic and we are grateful for the work they have carried out, but we are not ready to give up the search.

"Grant is such a popular guy and is always laughing and joking with his friends and it's incredibly difficult not having him here with us. We would ask that anyone with any information get in contact with Grampian Police."

Grant's girlfriend, Lisa Stephen, added: "The last week has been the most difficult of my life. I just wish he was here with me - we were always very happy when we were together and each day without him is more difficult than the last.

"I'm grateful for everyone who has joined the search and just wish we could find him or that he would walk back through the door.

"It's difficult to contemplate how much changed the night he went missing - one minute we were laughing and joking together and the next he has disappeared. I just want to have him by my side again."

Grampian Police continues to conduct inquiries into Mr Ritchie's disappearance following a party in Cove in the early hours of Sunday.

Officers have visited a number of homes in the area where the 20-year-old was last seen in the early hours of Sunday 30 January 2012. Police, coastguard crews and RAF teams have all been involved in the search, which covered a three-mile stretch of the coastline at Cove by air, land and sea.

Grant is described as being 5'7" in height, slim build, short, brown coloured hair and wearing a light grey long sleeved t-shirt with a white collar, blue jeans and black shoes.

Anyone with any information relating to Grant's whereabouts is asked to contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5 700.

Road Conditions Update - DAY DATE MONTH

03/02/2012 00:00:00

Below are details of the latest road conditions in the Grampian area as of TIME on DAY DATE MONTH YEAR. For up-to-date roads information, please call our weather line on 0870 444 5444.

Drivers should drive according to the road conditions and make sure they are prepared for the journey. For further information on how to be prepared for winter, click here.

Road Closed

A939 Ballater - Corgarff, snow gates closed.

If you are travelling you should ensure you and your vehicle are adequately prepared for the conditions making sure you have sufficient fuel and supplies such as warm clothing, food and water in the event you are delayed for several hours. Charge your mobile phone and plan your route as well as alternative routes.

Listen to media broadcasts, especially listen to local radio and visit www.trafficscotland.org. You can also get the latest travel news from the BBC here.

Fatal RTC, A95 near Keith

02/02/2012 00:00:00

Grampian Police is at the scene of a serious RTC on the A95 between Ladyhill and Keith at the Nethermills junction.

The collision, between a farm vehicle and a car, was reported at about 10.55am today (Thursday 2 February 2012). Members of the Scottish Ambulance Service and Grampian Fire and Rescue Service are also in attendance.

We can confirm that a man has died as a result of the collision on the A95 near Keith. One woman was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary by air ambulance following the two-vehicle collision, whilst a further woman was taken to Dr Gray's Hospital in Elgin.

The road remains closed at this time and a collision investigation will be carried out over the next few hours.

Locla diversions have been put in place to prevent congestion in the area. Northbound traffic is being re-routed onto the B9018 towards Cullen, while southbound traffic is being diverted via the B9117 to the B9022 and onto the A96.

River Crime Initiative Launched

01/02/2012 00:00:00

With the salmon fishing season about to commence on all of Grampian's rivers over the next few weeks, a new initiative has been launched to raise awareness of the potential impact of wildlife crime on the region's waterways.

The initiative will see river crime warning and information boards that have been developed by Grampian Police Wildlife Crime Unit, distributed to nine of the regions major salmon fishing rivers by water bailiffs.

Force Wildlife Crime officer, PC Gavin Lindsay said: "Grampian's salmon rivers are a huge asset to the region, contributing millions to the economy and providing important habitat for a variety of wildlife. However, river crime - in particular, the poaching of salmon - can have both a serious environmental and economic affect on the river and wider community.

"River crime can take a variety of formats; from individuals poaching salmon using rod and line, to organised groups, who often travel from outwith the Grampian area to net the river, resulting in the loss of significant numbers of fish.

"Fresh water pearl mussels, can also be a target for criminals. These molluscs survive in only a handful of Grampian's rivers, and - as the name suggests - can occasionally contain a pearl. Illegal fishing for pearls has brought the fresh water pearl mussel to the brink of extinction, with Scotland being the global stronghold for the species."

The operation is a joint initiative between Grampian Police's Wildlife Crime Unit and River Bailiffs to target the criminals exploiting the North East's rivers.

The operation has been running for seven years in Grampian, with some notable success in the disruption of poaching activity and enforcement of legislation.

PC Lindsay continued: "One key to the success of Operation Salmo is the information sharing between water bailiffs and police however we also need to get the public more involved by reporting any crimes or suspicious activity to the police as soon as possible.

"More and more people are accessing rivers for fishing, water sports and riverside walks yet are often unsure whether to report a suspected crime. These river crime boards will encourage people not only to report, but to provide all the details the police and Water Bailiffs require to carry out their enquiries as efficiently as possible."

If you suspect a crime has taken place or have any information relating to a river crime, contact the Police as soon as possible on 0845 600 5 700.

Missing Person: Viktors Asitkovs

01/02/2012 00:00:00

Grampian Police are anxious to trace Viktors Asitkovs (51) who has been reported missing from Fraserburgh, Aberdeen.

He was last seen in the Faithlie Street area of Fraserburgh at around 11pm on Saturday 28 January 2012, by friends.

Mr Asitkovs, who is from Latvia, has short grey hair and when last seen was wearing a black leather jacket, blue/grey jeans, black t-shirt with white emblem/pattern on the front and brown/gold coloured shoes.

Police are appealing for Mr Asitkovs to contact them to confirm that is safe and well.

Any person who believes they may know the whereabouts of Viktors Asitkovs is asked to contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5 700 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.

Missing Person: Maris Enem and Children

01/02/2012 00:00:00

Grampian Police is anxious to trace Maris Stella Sunday or Enem, aged 28 years, and her children Prince Joseph Enem (4 years) and Princess Pascaline Enem (2 years). Mrs Enem and her children were last know to be residing in the Kaimhill area of Aberdeen during the summer of 2011, but have connections to various parts of the city.

The family are Nigerian nationals, and may be elsewhere in the UK or even overseas.

Grampian Police are appealing for any information regarding there whereabouts and for Mrs Enem to contact them. In particular the assistance of the wider Nigerian community in the UK is sought. All information will be treated confidentially.

Anyone who believes they may know the whereabouts of the Enem family is asked to contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5 700 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Further Arrests in Operation Moravia

31/01/2012 00:00:00

A further five Drugs Search Warrants have been executed in Moray as part of an ongoing crackdown on drugs, violence and anti-social behaviour.

The warrants, which formed part of Moray's high profile Operation Moravia, resulted in four people being arrested in Elgin and Lossiemouth in connection with the seizure of Cocaine and Cannabis, valued in total at approximately £1000.

The raids, which took place on Friday 27 January 2012, and were carried out by both CID and Local Policing Team officers, were in response to information received from the local community.

Three males, aged 45, 22 and 19 and a 16 year old female, all from the Elgin and Lossiemouth areas, have been arrested and reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with the drug supply offences.

They are expected to appear at Elgin Sheriff Court on Monday 30 January 2012.

Detective Sergeant Ian Doherty, who lead the operation, stated: "This latest police action further demonstrates that Operation Moravia is a long term strategy for dealing with all forms of Anti-Social Behaviour and crime across Moray.

"Yet again, our communities have come forward with information to their Local Policing Team Officers about issues that matter most to them where they live.

"These latest arrests should serve as clear notice to those tempted to get involved with controlled drugs or any other form of anti-social behaviour in our communities, that we know what you are doing and will not relent in our determination to rid our communities of the scourge of illegal drugs."

Mobile Surgeries: New Pitsligo; Crimond and Hatton

31/01/2012 00:00:00

On Monday 6 February and Tuesday 7 February officers from the Buchan Local Policing Team, based at Mintlaw, will be holding community surgeries in New Pitsligo, Crimmond and Hatton.

The Mobile Police Office will be at the following locations on these dates:

Monday 6 February 2012:

10.00am to 11.30am, High Street, New Pitsligo at the Square;

1pm to 2.30pm, Logie Drive, Crimond.

Tuesday 7 February 2012:

10.00am to 11.45am, Car Park next to Hatton Village Hall.

Sergeant Sean Reynolds, who is stationed at Mintlaw, said: "By taking the Mobile Police Office into the smaller villages it gives members of those communities the opportunity to come and discuss any issues they may have. Working with the communities themselves is the most effective way to tackle issues which are affecting local people."

Thefts from Payphones

31/01/2012 00:00:00

Grampian Police are appealing for witnesses after five public telephone kiosks were targetted for the cash boxes within.

Between 9pm on Sunday 29 January and 11am on Monday 30 January 2012, telephone kiosks at Urquhart Road, Holburn Street, St Marchar Drive, Broomhill Road and Hammerfield Avenue were targetted.

During the incident coins valued at a low three figure sum were stolen.

Members of the public are asked to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity in relation to people or vehicles in and around telephone kiosks to Grampian Police.

If anyone believes they may have seen any people or vehicles acting suspiciously between these times at these locations, they are urged to contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5 700, or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Missing Person: Grant Ritchie - Search Stood Down

31/01/2012 00:00:00

Grampian Police have confirmed that the physical search along the coast of Cove for missing Newburgh man, Grant Ritchie was stood down on the afternoon of Tuesday 31 January 2012.

Grant Ritchie was last seen at 1am on Sunday 29 January 2012, near to Cove Rangers Football ground, Allan Park.

Inspector Iain MacLelland said: "Over the last three days we have conducted an extensive search of the local area which has involved police, the coastguard, Skywatch, and an RAF Search and Rescue helicopter. We have also been assisted by a large number of family, friends and the local community.

"While the physical search in the area where Grant was last seen is now complete, we will continue other enquiries in the wider area. I would like to renew our appeal for anyone who may have seen Grant or who has any information, no matter how small, to come forward.

"Grant's family have been kept informed of developments throughout the search and our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.

"Grant is described as being 5'7" in height, slim build, short, brown coloured hair and wearing a light coloured hair and wearing a light grey long-sleeved t-shirt with a white collar, blue jeans and black shoes."

Anyone with any information relating to Grant's whereabouts is asked to contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5 700 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously.

Grant Ritchie Poster

Increased Policing tackles Alcohol Related Crime

30/01/2012 00:00:00

Grampian Police is today launching extra patrols as part of a continued drive to tackle alcohol-related crime in Aberdeen city centre.

Increased patrols will be carried out over the coming months in an effort to ensure recent reductions in violent and antisocial behaviour are maintained.

Inspector Moyra Clark, who is heading up the operation, said: "Over recent years there has been a significant amount of progress made in terms of reducing crime within the city centre.

"A lot of work has been carried out in conjunction with various partners and we are now in a position where the figures clearly show that Aberdeen is one of the safest cities in the country. However, we are determined that we will not rest on our laurels and will continue to push to reduce crime in the city centre."

Both uniform and plain clothed officers will patrol the city at weekends and on Wednesday nights over the next few months.

Insp. Clark added: "Aberdeen city centre is a lively and vibrant environment which is enjoyed by many. Unfortunately, a small number of individuals who attend in that area commit crime.

"Figures show that serious assaults within the city centre are at an all time low, however we still have work to do in relation to minor assaults, and crimes of disorder. We constantly strive towards trying to make our city centre a safer and more enjoyable place to visit."

Officers involved in this initiative will also be targeting persons who have ASBOs and warrants issued for city centre crime.

House Fire, Rhynie

30/01/2012 00:00:00

Grampian Police are investigating an unexplained fire at a house in Rhynie, Aberdeenshire.

The fire was reported at 4.30pm on Friday 27 January 2012. The remains of a human have been recovered from the property, no identification has been made yet.

Enquiries are continuing and a joint Police and Fire and Rescue Service investigation will be carried out to determine the cause when access can be gained to the premises.

Missing Person: Grant Ritchie

29/01/2012 00:00:00

Grampian Police are anxious to trace 20 year old Grant Ritchie, who has been reported missing from the Cove area of Aberdeen.

Grant (pictured) was last seen around 1am on Sunday 29 January 2012, near to Cove Rangers Football ground.

He is described as being 5'7" in height, slim build, short, brown coloured hair and wearing a light grey long sleeved t-shirt with a white collar, blue jeans and black shoes.

Grampian Police are requesting that residents in the area of Cove, Doonies Farm and the general area between Cove and Torry, check any outhouses and sheds for Grant.

The search for Grant is continuing on Monday 30 January 2012. Search teams will be joined by Coastguard crews throughout the day. The search is focusing on the area where Mr Ritchie was last seen – in an area on the cliffs to the rear of Cove Rangers football ground, Allan Park.

Any person who believes they may have seen or know the whereabouts of Grant Ritchie, or has any information that may assist in tracing him, is asked to contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5 700 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.

Drugs Operation in Rosemount and City Centre

27/01/2012 00:00:00

Local policing officers in the city centre and Rosemount areas of Aberdeen have carried out a successful two-day operation targeting drug dealing.

Grampian Police Officers carried out patrols on Tuesday and Wednesday focusing on Thistle Court, Gilcomstoun Court, Gilcomstoun Land, Rosemount Square, Rosemount Viaduct and Stevenson Court.

Officers carried out 20 stop searches over the two days. As a result, officers recovered a quantity of Cannabis.

Three males aged 20, 21 and 26 have been charged in relation to the seizures. A further male, aged 34, was charged in connection with a suspected illegal substance.

During the stop searches officers also recovered a knife, with a 29-year-old male charged and kept in police custody.

Throughout the operation, a combined 27.5 hours of foot patrols were undertaken, with numerous checks of flats and communal areas taking place. A dog unit was also used to assist with detection.

Local Policing Sergeant Megan Heathershaw said: "As part of our continued commitment to improve the safety of the city centre, we carried out two days of patrols targeting areas where intelligence had led us believe there problems with drug dealing.

"We have listened closely to the concerns of the local community and have acted on information they have given us.

"We would urge local residents to continue to approach us with their worries as we will listen and act on issues that are important to the local community.

"This is not just a one-off. We will continue to come down hard on all those involved in the drug supply chain and by working in partnership with our local communities, I believe we will continue to disrupt the supply of drugs in our city."

Chief Inspector Murray Main added: "This was an excellent result by our local policing teams and reinforces the message that Aberdeen is a hostile place for drug dealers and we will pursue them to the fullest extent."

Cannabis Cultivation, Tillydrone

26/01/2012 00:00:00

Following intelligence received Grampian Police executed a drug search warrant in Ferrier Gardens, Tillydrone, Aberdeen.

A cannabis cultivation was found within with both mature plants and harvested plants being recovered along with associated growing equipment.

A 28-year-old man has been charged in connection with the seizure, and has been held in custody to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Thursday 26 January 2012.

The drugs seized have an estimated value of £750.

Constable Louise Taylor said: "These cultivations are often dangerous in terms of the often haphazard use of electricity within the premises. Shoddily wired up lights and power sources combined with the water used in these cultivations prevents a very real risk of fire."

"I would encourage the public to remain vigilant and if they see anything suspicious to report it to police or anonymously through Crimestoppers."

Signs people should look out for which may indicate a cannabis cultivation include:

Blacked out windows or curtains/blinds which are permanently closed;
Premises which appear unoccupied – but people may be seen visiting late at night or into the early hours;
Visitors to the premises bringing gardening equipment;
A low level hum or loud buzzing sound caused by fans or extraction systems;
A strong, sweet, distinctive smell;
Unusual levels of heat coming through walls or floors – particularly in flats.

All of these signs may not appear together, but we would ask the public to be vigilant and report any of these signs to police.

Grampian Police can be contacted on 0845 600 5 700. The charity Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111.

Appeal for Information: Edinburgh Murder

26/01/2012 00:00:00

Police in Edinburgh have today issued a photograph of a man they wish to trace in connection with their enquiries in connection with the murder of Maciej Ciania.

Detectives are keen to trace Grzegorz Gamla in connection with enquiries into the killing of Mr Ciania.

The body of the 34-year-old Polish man was found within his flat in Dickson Street, Leith, Edinburgh on Saturday 14 January.

Grzegorz Gamla is a Polish man and is described as white, 6' 1" (186 cms), thin build, brown eyes, short dark close cropped hair, he has a distinctive tattoo on his left forearm of a spider and the words 'Hardcore Forever' in English. He was last seen wearing dark clothing including a dark coloured Beanie style hat.

Detective Superintendent Gary Flannigan said: "There is a strong possibility that he is no longer in the Edinburgh area and he may have travelled to other cities in the UK where he may have associates, or that he may leave the country.

"A team of 40 plus officers has been working on this inquiry but so far we have been unable to trace Mr Gamla.

"We have had a lot of support from the Polish community, both locally in the Leith area of the city and from the wider community. A Crimestoppers reward of up to £1000 has been offered for information that leads to the arrest of the person involved in the death of Mr Ciania."

Anyone who recognises Mr Gamla is asked not to approach him but to contact their nearest Police station, Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Polish speaking officers have been helping the murder inquiry team and are available to speak to members of the public. Appeals and media releases have been translated into Polish, Russian and Lithuanian and this appeal will be circulated throughout the UK and, in particular, to transport networks and hubs.

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

Suspicious Fire, Torry

25/01/2012 00:00:00

Grampian Police are appealing for witnesses following a suspicious fire at a garage on Sinclair Road, Aberdeen in the early hours of Wednesday 25 January 2012.

During the incident seven vehicles were substantially damaged and included six vans and one car. One of the vehicles was a marked Police Mercedes van. The others were two Mercedes Sprinters, a Renault Kangoo, a silver Volkswagon Transporter, a white Ford Transit Connect and a Nissan Almera.

The incident was reported to the police at around 1.45am and a joint investigation between Police and Grampian Fire and Rescue is to be carried out.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5 700 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.