Edinburgh residents say 'we need to leave troubled area' as riot police descend
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Edinburgh residents reacted in shock after police in riot gear were seen entering a block of flats.
Several police vans - including a dog unit - and cars swooped on Clermiston's Birchwood View shortly before 9am on Thursday, May 29.
A 22-year-old was subsequently arrested in connection with drug offences after a warrant was executed at a flat on the residential street.
One carer in the area said they spotted police arriving at the street and witnessed officers carrying 'riot shields' as they went to enter the block of flats.
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "The street is always like this. It was getting better for a while but there are a number of troublesome characters here and it is starting to get worse.
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"It was a matter of time before something like this happened."
Another explained the street became a lot worse in the 'past six months' with regular disturbances making life a 'nightmare' for those living in the area.
A neighbour added: "I don't want to move but with everything going on, I need to get out of here."
Officers were seen leaving the block and removing their padded riot gear while officers wearing blue gloves were visibly searching an SUV.
They later filled up evidence bags with items from the vehicle which was parked over the pavement.
One local was heard shouting from their window for police to also search a car on the street, only for another confused and worried neighbour from an adjacent block to scream it was their vehicle, pleading with police not to touch it. They said: "I don't live in that block, that is my car, I've nothing to do with this."
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A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'Around 7.10am on Thursday, 29 May, 2025, officers executed a warrant at a property on Birchwood View, Edinburgh. A 22-year-old man has been arrested in connection with drugs offences.
'Enquiries are ongoing and officers remain in the area. There is no risk to the public.'
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