West Pilton stabbing victim Jie Yu out of hospital

A STAB victim has returned home from hospital – as city leaders launched a clampdown on crime in the area where he was attacked.

Jie Yu had operations on his hand and chest. Picture: Greg Macvean

Jie Yu, who runs the Peking Garden takeaway in West Pilton, was treated in intensive care at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary after the October 1 assault.

The father of three spent a week in St John’s Hospital in Livingston for operations on hand and chest wounds.

His wife Mae said Mr Yu, known to some of his friends as Jack, was “doing very well” but still had a long road ahead of him.

Mrs Yu spoke of her husband’s recovery today, just as city and police chiefs launched “Stronger North” to combat crime in north Edinburgh. As part of a tougher approach, routes used to drive stolen motorbikes will be blocked and the position of CCTV cameras will be reviewed.

Long-standing concerns about antisocial behaviour grew after the attack on Mr Yu, whose car was stolen minutes before the incident.

Three men have been charged and police have since stepped up patrols in West Pilton. Members of the community, who claim they are constantly “terrorised” by youths joyriding stolen motorbikes, said more needs to be done.

The Stronger North plan was drawn up by the authorities in the wake of a heated public meeting and a “gold command” summit in council chambers. City chiefs have pledged to install bollards to block popular routes for the “joyriders”, and put more community safety officers on the beat.

The blueprint also outlines fast-track repairs to door entry systems and street lights, while bushes and other “blockages of sight lines” will be removed.

Mrs Yu, 34, said she was relieved to hear about the initiative, as “something had to be done”. She said: “At the moment the area is still very rough. I don’t know about the future – I still think it’s unsafe. I don’t want anything more to happen to my husband. He is still very weak and has lost so much blood. He is still very sore when he moves.”

Doctors are pleased with the 37-year-old’s progress, and he is receiving daily home visits from nurses to check his progress and change dressings.

Mrs Yu said: “He is weak, his cough feels sharp in his throat. It’s still very painful. He will slowly get better, hopefully soon. It feels good to have him back at the house.”

She said the police have assured her that they are taking action, but admitted she still felt unsafe. “I can see police pounding the streets, but after a few months, will it be the same?” she said. “There are still motorbikes, it’s still scary to come out at night-time. Something needs to be done to change the area. It’s very important that things are improved.”

Chief Inspector Sara Buchanan said the task force would help “preserve community wellbeing” and “improve communication”. She added: “This is yet another tool to help us target the main offenders of local crime.”

A council spokeswoman said: “The aim is for the community to feel part of the solution to crime.”