Locals in Midlothian gathered on Monday night to demand a suspected sex offender was moved from their neighbourhood - triggering a huge police response.
Rumours began to circulate on Facebook that a 'notorious' offender had recently been rehoused near the Neatoune Court, Danderhall area.
Police Scotland confirmed there was a gathering outside one of the properties on the quiet suburban street on Monday night. There were reports of multiple units descending on the quiet street.
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A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Police were made aware of a gathering outside a property in Neatoune Court, Danderhall, Midlothian around 8.45pm on Monday, 3 October, 2022.
"Officers attended, gave advice and assistance and the group later dispersed. No arrests were made." As of 10am Tuesday morning, at least three police vehicles remained on Neatoune Court.
Members of the Danderhall community angrily speculated the offender’s identity on Facebook. “Get him out,” one resident said. Another posted: “Protest outside [a property on] Neatoune Court to remove [the sex offender.] Please join.”
Others commented that the authorities “Surely wouldn’t be that stupid” to move him into their community. Another resident raged that authorities were “having a laugh.”
Police Scotland could not confirm on deny the name of the sex offender on the street for the safety and security of current and future residents of the property. However, a Police Scotland spokesperson said they work with their partners on a daily basis to manage registered sex offenders across all of Scotland’s communities.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Every single offender is assessed and managed in line with the risk they present. Protecting the public is a top priority for Police Scotland. In Scotland, MAPPA provides a comprehensive response to a complex issue, using professional assessment and management to properly target resources at those who pose a risk to the public.
"Every offender is assessed and managed in line with the risk they present. Information sharing between the MAPPA partners and initial risk assessments take place for all offenders, regardless of the level of risk management, and offenders can be managed at different levels throughout their period of notification or supervision.
"A number of measures can be put in place to manage offenders in the community and these are monitored by dedicated police officers and partner organisations. Keeping people safe is our main priority in all cases."
Guidance from a Police Scotland spokesperson advised that the person currently at the Neatoune Court address would be moved for the safety of themselves and the community.
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