9am Briefing: Knifeman in daylight raid on off-licence

Published on Thursday 5 November 2009 08:52

A KNIFEMAN escaped with a four-figure sum of cash in a daylight raid on an off-licence.

Staff were left "shaken" after the middle-aged man entered the Wine Rack, on High Street, yesterday morning and threatened them with a knife.

The culprit is described as white, 5ft 8ins tall, 35-40 years old with an English accent.

Anyone with information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 1110.

Celtic star 'attacked'

CELTIC star Scott Brown was allegedly punched in a late-night attack in Edinburgh city centre.

Mr Brown, 24, was on a night out on Saturday when he was allegedly punched in the head during an incident near the junction of Lothian Road and Bread Street.

It was reported that Mr Brown told police he did not see who hit him and declined to make a statement, and also refused hospital treatment.

A 22-year-old man was arrested within minutes of the attack.

Council ponders schools trust

EAST Lothian Council is considering becoming the first local authority in Scotland to create an arms-length trust to run schools.

The proposal, echoing education reforms in England, could result in schools devoting more time to specialist subjects and perhaps seeking financial support from the private sector.

Council leader David Berry said he hoped the plan would lead to a national debate on new ways of giving Scottish schools and head teachers greater freedom over their finances.

The controversial move by the SNP/Liberal Democrat controlled council was revealed as a report, published today, showed Scotland continues to lag behind England.

OAP treated after fire

A PENSIONER was treated for smoke inhalation following a fire in Southhouse last night.

The 65-year-old was attended by paramedics after a pan of food caught fire at his home in Southhouse Avenue, shortly after 11pm. He did not require hospital treatment.

Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the blaze using a single hose reel.