'Fight broken up' at Meadows after police called to disperse group of youths

Police were called to break up a “fight” between a group of youths at one of the city’s popular parks.

Edinburgh-based crime writer Ian Rankin posted on Twitter saying officers and an ambulance were spotted at the Meadows yesterday evening after a “fight was broken up.”

Inspector Norman Towler from Edinburgh St Leonard's Police Station said: “Around 5.50pm on Tuesday, 30 June, we received reports of a disturbance between a group of youths in the Meadows area of Edinburgh. Officers attended, however the group dispersed and no other issues were reported at that time.”

The incident comes shortly after a massive brawl broke out in the Edinburgh beauty spot on Scotland’s hottest day of the year.

Large groups of people had congregated in the Meadows on Thursday to enjoy the highs of 27C, when things got out of hand around 10.45 pm.

A video of the fighting sent to the Edinburgh Evening News shows groups of revellers embroiled in a punch-up as the sun sets.

Inspector Towler added: “We are currently working with the City of Edinburgh Council to address some of the recent issues being experienced in that area and they will be supporting us to manage parks and green spaces across the city.

"We will continue to engage with the public, explain the legislation and encourage compliance, using enforcement as a last resort. However, disorder, drunkenness and antisocial behaviour won’t be tolerated and those involved face arrest and prosecution."

The popular green space has also been left strewn with litter and barbeque burns following days of residents picnic-ing in the warm weather during the country’s mini heat waves.

In an interview with BBC Scotland, Ian Rankin said Edinburgh residents are treating the city’s beauty spot “like a night club.”