Two teenagers were left injured following violent attacks at the beach in the last two months.
Armed police descended on Portobello Beach on May 16 following a violent mass brawl.(Image: Supplied)
Police Scotland have warned of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour at Portobello Beach following a number of serious disturbances.
The promenade was named as an area of concern after police were called to two violent attacks involving large groups of youths. Last week a teenager appeared in court charged with attempted murder in connection with an alleged stabbing at the beauty spot this month.
A letter sent via schools in the capital this week appealed to parents to speak to their children about engaging in anti-social behaviour at the beach over summer.
The letter, seen by the Record, gave a stern warning that any child or young person doing so will be dealt with “robustly”, and arrested if circumstances are more serious.
It read: “I write today to ask that you discuss attendance at Portobello with your child/young person and ensure they are not involved in ASB which includes large gatherings, drinking alcohol, urinating in public and other general disturbances.
“Over the Summer holiday period this year, Police presence in the area is being increased and any child/young person found to be engaging in ASB will be dealt with robustly and if required, be brought home to yourself or in more serious circumstances arrested and dealt with appropriately.”
Portobello is a popular spot with locals, and police want to ensure it remains an enjoyable area to visit.(Image: Daily Record)
On Friday, May 16, a 17-year-old boy was “stabbed” during a mass street brawl. Armed police and dozens of uniformed officers descended onto the popular beauty spot around 7.40pm after an alleged violent disturbance broke out.
Reports on social media described the disturbance as a “scene from a violent film.” Large crowds of youths were pictured at the scene amid the police response.
A 16-year-old was arrested in connection with the incident, and later charged with attempted murder.
He appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, May 19. He did not set a plea and was granted bail, with the date of his next court appearance to be confirmed.
A 14-year-old was charged with possession of a weapon, with a report sent to the relevant authorities.
Weeks earlier a 19-year-old woman was reportedly assaulted at the beach by a gang of teenagers.
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She was with her girlfriend when they encountered a group of around 15 youths on April 7, who launched a violent attack.
The victim’s sister told how she was “thrown to the ground” before being “kicked, punched and held down”, with her girlfriend also being set upon when she tried to step in.
Although she did not sustain serious physical injuries, she is said to have been left “traumatised” by the ordeal.
A 16-year-old girl has since been charged, with a report sent to the relevant authorities.
The summer holiday period last year also saw several incidents committed by youths in the area.
The force is now cracking down in order to make Portobello and other open spaces in the city “inviting and enjoyable” for everyone, highlighting that large groups of youths congregating and causing annoyance can be intimidating.