'I was hospitalised by a flying cone under Edinburgh bridge'
He tells The Herald: "I didn't have a clue what had happened, I put my hand on the back of my head and blood was going everywhere.
'My mate heard the noise and turned round and the cone was right next to me, so someone had clearly thrown it off the George IV bridge.
Read More:
'There are loads of cones around there for the Pride parade, someone's just thrown one off and it's cracked me in the head.
'The security in Dropkicks put the gloves on and helped me out, got me some water, and then Street Assist and the police arrived and helped clean me up, the police took statements and then my sister came and picked me up and took me to the Royal Infirmary because the ambulance was going to be eight hours or something.
'I've got staples in my head and I'm getting scans because I can't really turn my head, my neck is completely jiggered.
'I can't work with it, which is kind of an issue.
"I'm going to have a five-six centimetre gash across the top of my head, a scar.
'I don't know what my neck is going to be like long-term but I can't hold my head up so I'm sitting on the couch all day with my head resting.
'The four things I do are walk the dog, go to the gym, play golf and then go to work and at the minute I can't do any of them. It's a nightmare, but it could have been a lot worse.
'I'm 6ft 1in, I'm quite big, I think if it was anyone smaller or more frail it would have been a lot worse.'
George IV bridge in Edinburgh (Image: Wikimedia) In November 2006 Australian national Andrew Smith threw a cone off the bridge which struck Irish student Kate Flannery, leaving her with a fractured skull and three broken vertebrae as well as damage to her spinal cord, which left her arms and legs paralysed for several months.
Following widespread media coverage and appeals by police, he turned himself in and was ordered to carry out community service having shown "genuine remorse".
In 2011 an appeal for witnesses was put out after a 10kg bag of sand was hurled from the bridge, and in the same year a student was fined £500 for throwing a cone off the bridge.
Mr Ward though says he has struggled to get answers from police about their investigations, with no media appeal issued and no update given to him.
He said: "I haven't heard from them.
'I've asked them twice for updates and they haven't got back in touch. I phoned them on Sunday because they wanted to know an exact time for the incident and I obviously didn't really know what was going on at the time but I went back and checked my FitBit and got the exact time of the impact from that.
'I phoned to let them know and they said the person who would be investigating it isn't on until next week. So I sent a big email in on Sunday night to ask if I could be updated by someone to know if they'd been looking at CCTV to find who did it and I've not heard anything back.
"I've spoken to two people who used to run a bar on that bridge and they've told the police that something should be done, a netting or something, because it's happening quite a lot.
'There's been a few times where people have thrown stuff but it's not actually hit anyone, but a couple of times people have been hit and it's been more severe than mine, thankfully, was.'
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'Around 1.40am on Saturday, 21 June, 2025, we were called to the Merchant Street area of Edinburgh following a report of a man injured from an item thrown from a bridge.
'Emergency services attended and the man was later taken to hospital.
'Enquiries are ongoing into the circumstances of this incident and anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 0367 of 21 June, 2025.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Inside Kneecap's Glastonbury controversy as band will perform despite axe calls
Kneecap will perform at Glastonbury on Saturday afternoon as they brush off the controversy surrounding them being on the lineup and calls for them to be removed Irish rap trio Kneecap will be taking to the stage at Glastonbury for their highly anticipated set this weekend, despite multiple calls for them to be axed from the lineup. The group have defiantly said they will continue to perform amid the backlash against them. It comes after bandmember Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig last year. He appeared in court earlier this month, with the band's scheduled appearance at Glastonbury put in doubt and calls from the Prime Minister for them to be booted off. However, Kneecap, which is also made up of Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, will still perform on the West Holts Stage on Saturday. Speaking at court, the band said: "For anybody going to Glastonbury, you can see us there at 4pm on Saturday. "If you can't be there we'll be on the BBC. Most importantly: free, free Palestine." Kneecap have dropped out of this year's TRNSMT Festival in Glasgow amid the controversy. In a statement on social media, Kneecap said: "'Due to concerns expressed by the Police about safety at the event, Kneecap can no longer perform at TRNSMT. To the thousands of people who bought tickets, flights and hotels to see us play, we are sorry... it is out of our hands." They continued: "Glasgow has always been a huge city for us. We've played there many many times, with no issues - ever. Make of that what you will. To try and make up for it, we will be at your O2 Academy on Tuesday July 8th." Arrest In May, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who uses the stage name Mo Chara, was charged over the alleged display of a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London last November. The band strongly deny the charges brought against Óg Ó hAnnaidh and said in a lengthy statement that they will "vehemently defend" themselves against what they claimed was "political policing". The court heard the 27-year-old is "well within his rights" to voice his opinions on Israel and Palestine, but the alleged incident is a "wholly different thing". Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove said: "Of course, support for the one is not the same as support for the other. So the issue in this case, and the reason it has come to court, it centres on the apparent support by Mr Óg Ó hAnnaidh of a proscribed terrorist organisation." Óg Ó hAnnaidh was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing at the same court on August 20. Slot in doubt Just days after Liam was charged with a terror offence, the band performed at London's Wide Awake Festival. On stage, the group admitted their set very almost got cancelled at the last minute and revealed pressure was mounting on Glastonbury to pull their slot at Worthy Farm. Liam spoke of his arrest as he told the crowd: "I had an interview with counter terrorism and within a day they charged me. And the reason it was that quick was because Glastonbury is just around the corner, they're trying to silence us." "Glastonbury is just around the corner," the group stated before claiming "they're trying to stop" them doing a similar thing to what they did at Coachella. "F**k 'em," one of the trio said to a wild applause from the crowd. At Coachella, which is often dubbed the US version of Glastonbury, the band displayed banners that read: ' Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people', 'It is being enabled by the US government who arm and fund Israel despite their war crimes' and 'F*** Israel. Free Palestine'. Prime Minister's call Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for Kneecap to be pulled from the Glastonbury line-up. Starmer was asked by The Sun if he thinks Kneecap should perform at the annual festival. He said: "No, I don't. I think we need to come down really clearly on this. I won't say too much, because there's a court case on, but I don't think that's appropriate." Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch also said she thought the BBC "should not be showing" Kneecap's performance at the festival. Badenoch said in an X post: "The BBC should not be showing Kneecap propaganda. One Kneecap band member is currently on bail, charged under the Terrorism Act. As a publicly funded platform, the BBC should not be rewarding extremism." Kneecap replied to the Prime Minister's comments about them on social media, fuming: 'You know what's 'not appropriate' Keir?! Arming a f*****g genocide… solidarity with [Palestinian Action]." Petitions More than 30 "music industry individuals" are said to have signed a secret letter, calling on Kneecap's Glastonbury appearance to be pulled. DJ Toddla T claimed he had seen a 'private and confidential letter' signed by '30 individuals from within the music industry', who urged Glastonbury organisers to remove Kneecap. However, the band has received support from 100 other musicians including The Smiths' Johnny Marr who said he respects artists"who use their platform to speak out against injustice" and called for an "end to the atrocities and a free Palestine." He joins the likes of Fontaines D.C., Lankum, The Pogues, Paul Weller, Pulp, Primal Scream and Massive Attack in showing their support to Kneecap. Glastonbury organiser defends Kneecap Glastonbury boss Emily Eavis has broken her silence surrounding controversial Irish band Kneecap. The group from Belfast hit the headlines after making pro-Palestine comments at Coachella in April after band member, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, was charged with a terror offence for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a London gig in November. Though Liam has been released on bail, Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said it was "not appropriate" for the Guilty Conscience stars to perform at Glastonbury on the West Holts Stage at 4pm on Saturday. However, giving her opinion on the divisive band, Emily, said "everyone is welcome". Talking to the BBC as the festival flung open its doors to thousands of revellers today, she was asked: "You are very used to people picking over every aspect of the lineup but the Prime Minister got involved this time, saying it wasn't appropriate for Kneecap to be playing, how have you responded to that?" Emily replied: "We haven't responded to that. At the moment we're just focusing on bringing the best festival to the people who want to come here. We're incredibly lucky that so many people want to come to Glastonbury, we have millions of people who want to come." However, she was then probed: "But it's quite a thing for the Prime Minister to comment, how did you react? How did you feel?" Looking somewhat irritated, Emily said: "I know, it is, there have been a lot of really heated topics this year, but we remain a platform for many, many artists from all over the world and, you know, everyone is welcome here."
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Murdered Peter Falconio's grieving mum gives heartbreaking prediction after Outback Killer vows ‘deathbed declaration'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE mum of murdered British backpacker Peter Falconio fears his killer, who is close to death with throat cancer, will never reveal where her son's body lies. The 28-year-old tourist who was shot dead by motor mechanic Bradley John Murdoch nearly 24 years ago and has never been found. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Peter Falconio was murdered in the outback in 2001 and his body has never been found 5 He was murdered by Bradley John Murdoch - who is now close to death with cancer Credit: AFP 5 Peter was shot dead whilst his girlfriend managed to escape Joan Falconio spoke out today amid reports that Murdoch, now receiving end of life care after been transferred from prison, was set to make an "explosive" deathbed confession. There was confusion over whether he would take his secret with him or had "forgotten" where he dumped the traveller's remains. She said of the wheelchair-bound murderer: "We think he'll take that with him to the grave." "We just want to bring our son home after all these years but we're not sure we ever will. We don't think that will every happen." Asked how she felt about the notorious Outback killer, 67, being given palliative care, she said: "I don't have any feelings about him after taking Peter's life. I don't like to think about him." She revealed the family was not initially informed by either the British or Australian authorities that Murdoch was dying in hospital. They were contacted following major media attention across the globe. Speaking from her home near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, where she lives with husband Luciano, 80, Joan said: "As a family we are doing alright, life just has to go on." Joan, 77, who has three other sons, said they haven't travelled to Australia since a memorial was placed for 28-year-old Peter at a random spot in the Outback in 2016, which she described as "most fitting." She said: "We've not been out there, it is a long way, and we are not in the best of health." 'Killer' told man he 'tortured to death he was going to s**g his ex' Murdoch was convicted in 2005 of shooting dead Peter and ambushing his Brit girlfriend Joanne Lees before she made a harrowing escape on the night of July 14, 2001. The backpacker's body has never been found. Joan said: "We think he'll take that to the grave in his final act." He had tricked the couple as they drove on a remote highway between Alice Springs and Darwin in their VW Kombi camper van on a dream trip. The ruthless drug runner and murderer is now wheelchair-bound and "just about dead", a source has told the Northern Territory News. Joan has previously said: "My son's life stopped on a lonely road - shot dead by cowardly Murdoch, who will not reveal where or what he did with him. 5 Murdoch has been transferred to palliative care to live out his final days Credit: Getty 5 A toolbox containing cable ties and tape was presented as evidence to the jury Credit: Getty "Our pain is always with us. We want to bring Peter home where he belongs, near his family." The lead investigator into the death of the tragic traveller has this week revealed that his killer will likely die before helping to locate his body. News of his terminal cancer battle prompted Northern Territory police to double their reward for information that led to the location to $500,000. Former NT police officer Colleen Gwynne has suggested the killer may not know where the body is body, reportedly saying: "There is potential that, with the stress that (Murdoch) was under, the fact that Joanne escaped and he had a victim that was now at large, that he may have forgotten exactly where he disposed of the body." However, true crime author Robin Bowles claims that the killer, jailed for life, will make an "explosive" deathbed statement to him but not share with detectives.
Edinburgh Live
9 hours ago
- Edinburgh Live
Scottish police say underworld killings in Spain 'not linked' to gang war
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Claims by Spanish police that the murders of two Scottish underworld figures in Spain are linked to a long running gangland feud have been refuted by the Chief Constable of Police Scotland. At a meeting on Thursday in Edinburgh of oversight body the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) Jo Farrell also denied the fatal shootings were planned in Scotland. Ross Monaghan, 46, and Eddie Lyons jnr, 43, were both shot dead at an Irish bar co owned by Monaghan in the Spanish holiday resort of Fuengirola on May 31, reports The Record. Both victims were senior members of the Lyons crime clan who have been involved in a long running feud with the rival Daniel family dating back almost 25 years. At a press conference earlier this month Malaga-based police chief, Pedro Agudo Novo, who is investigating the double murder, said it was linked to a rivalry with the Daniel family, which resurfaced earlier this year across Scotland. When asked if the gunman belonged to the Daniel's crime family, replied: "Yes. Absolutely." He then added: "The double murder was carried out by a professional killer and member of one of the victims' rival gangs. "In this case, we are not talking about an independent hired killer, but an internal member of the rival Daniels gang who ends up assassinating two members of an enemy gang." Since March members and associates of the Daniel family in Edinburgh and Glasgow have been subjected to fire bombings, machete assaults and other targeted iolence by a group linked to the Lyons family. Police Scotland, who are investigating the attacks under Operation Portaledge, have previously denied any links between the double murder in Spain and the ongoing feud. However the Chief Constable went one step further on Thursday when she presented her force's annual report to SPA board members. The report said:" Police Scotland is supporting Spanish Police following the fatal shootings in Fuengirola. "At this time there is no evidence to suggest these deaths are linked to the recent criminal attacks in Scotland being investigated as part of Operation Portaledge or that the fatal shooting was planned in Scotland." Ms Farrell also revealed the numbers of arrests under Portaledge had reached 49 and thanked both the public and forensic staff at the Scottish Police Authority for their help. She added: "A dedicated team of officers from our Specialist Crime Division, with support from local divisions across the country, continue to carry out extensive enquiries to gather vital evidence and reassure the public with intelligence-led patrols. "We are still working tirelessly to build cases and are following a number of significant lines of enquiry. "The support of our communities is essential when it comes to tackling serious organised crime, preventing violence and getting justice for victims. I want to thank the public for their assistance so far and encourage anyone else with information to come forward." Both Monaghan and Lyons jnr were gunned down in front of terrified customers who had been watching the Champions League Final on television. The gunman shot Lyons jnr first then chased Monaghan into the bar where he was shot several times. On June 13 Merseyside Police, acting on an international arrest warrant detained a Liverpool man called Michael Riley in connection with the shootings The 44-year-old has since appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London where he was remanded ahead of an extradition hearing on October 9. Career criminal Ross Monaghan was tried but acquitted over the murder of notorious Daniel enforcer Kevin "Gerbil" Carroll at an Asda car park in Glasgow in 2010. Seven years later he and Lyons jnr were cleared of being involved in a brutal street attack on three men outside the Campsie bar in Bishopbriggs, near Glasgow. Since last month's double murder Monaghan's bar has reopened under another name, The Irish Rover.
