A fire had to be put out by emergency services in Edinburgh last night, following a string of vandalism and other anti-social behaviour in the area.
Emergency services attended Sighthill Park in the neighbourhood of Broomhouse in Edinburgh on February 1, after a pile of rubbish was set alight at approximately 7:30pm.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze, but had to be protected by police as there was a large presence of youths in the area, following the attack last week.
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From January 28 to January 30, police received upwards of 15 calls in relation to anti-social behaviour in the same area, and firefighters had stones thrown at them.
Police said that “matters escalated” at around 6.55pm on Friday, January 28, when Scottish Fire and Rescue Service crews had stones thrown at them.
The police confirmed that no one was injured, but said that “enquiries into the matter are continuing”.
As for the fire on February 1, a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 7.32pm on Tuesday, February 1 to reports of rubbish on fire at Sighthill Park, Broomhouse Road, Edinburgh.
“Operations Control mobilised one fire appliance and firefighters extinguished a fire affecting some rubbish.
“Crews requested the assistance of their police partners due to a large presence of youths in the area.
“There were no reported casualties and crews left after ensuring the area was made safe.”
Councillor Ashley Graczyk of the Sighthill and Gorgie area said: "It is just awful to see these acts of vandalism happen in our well-loved and public owned park.
"This is immensely upsetting and disheartening for the local community who love and use this beautiful green space.
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"It is also disappointing for council officers, and other stakeholders who have put so much work into this community asset for the enjoyment of all.
"The Council is looking to deploy CCTV cameras asap and the police now working to identify the individuals and take appropriate action.
"I have liaised with the police to increase community police patrols in the area to try to prevent further damage and that they continue with their prevention and intervention work within the vicinity.
"I encourage anyone who has seen, or heard anything to please contact the police as soon as possible.
"I’m determined to do everything I can to ensure the public will have every opportunity to enjoy an inspiring community asset in our lovely public green space."
The local councillor also noted that there is a community greenspace initiative called Sightpark House, with the aim to see these kind of issues addressed with more positive community action.
Some of the projects include a Friends of Sighthill Park group, dedicated to promoting, maintaining and improving the green spaces of Sighthill Park for people to use and enjoy.
There is also a Sighthill Woodlands project, a local greenspace resource for promoting and supporting biodiversity in the local woodlands. To find out more, click here.
