9am Briefing: Blaze 'was started deliberately'

POLICE believe a blaze which endangered the lives of elderly and disabled residents of a street in Leith was started deliberately.

The fire, which started just after 2pm on Sunday in Hamilton Wynd, caused extensive damage to one property and took over an hour to extinguish.

While the property's male tenant was not in at the time, police said the fire could have had dire consequences for neighbours.

DC Peter Stark said today: "Police are keen to speak to a man who approached fire crews dealing with the incident with information about who may be responsible for this fire."

Man in court after gala day incident

A MAN has appeared in court charged with attempted murder, following an incident at a village gala day.

David Wakely, 26, from East Calder, West Lothian, was also accused of assault to injury and assault to severe injury.

The charges followed an incident at East Calder and Wilkieston Children's Gala Day at the weekend.

Mr Wakely appeared on petition in private at Livingston Sheriff Court and made no plea or declaration. He was committed for further examination.

Driver beats parking wardens

A MOTORIST has taken on the Capital's parking wardens and won.

Range Rover driver Johnny Higgins spotted his 4x4 being lifted onto the back of a flatbed lorry after overstaying a parking ticket by just 40 minutes on Caledonia Place.

Threatened with a 150 fine quick-thinking Mr Higgins leapt into the driver's seat and refused to budge, sparking an hour-long standoff.

Police were called in to diffuse the situation, but the wardens eventually gave in giving him just the 30 fine.

MSPs called on to help Parkinson's sufferers

MSPs will be called to take action today to ensure people with Parkinson's disease get their medication at the correct time when they are admitted to hospital.

Research charity Parkinson's UK said people with the condition can become extremely ill without proper treatment.

About 7,500 people signed its petition calling for an inquiry into why so many people with the disease are not administered medication at the right times.

The charity will make its case to MSPs at the Scottish Parliament later today.