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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Kris Gourlay

Edinburgh major incident: Residents warned 'stay away' from Leith Docks

Edinburgh residents are being warned to 'stay away' from Leith Docks during an ongoing rescue operation.

Emergency services rushed to the Imperial Dock area in Leith shortly before 9am on Wednesday, March 22. Multiple fire appliances, as well as air and ground support from the Scottish Ambulance Service are at the scene.

Now police in Edinburgh have advised that officers are at the scene and coordinating the huge operation. Edinburgh police tweeted: "We are responding to an incident at Imperial Dock in Leith as a boat on dry dock has become dislodged from its holding. Please avoid the area to allow emergency service access."

READ MORE - Massive Edinburgh boat lurches in Leith Docks as rescue operation launched

A major operation swung into action this morning with air ambulance support and the Scottish Fire and Rescue after the ship was spotted at a '45-degree angle.

A worrying image from an eye-witness shows a large ship tilted at a 45-degree angle where it is positioned on a "dry dock."

The witness, Dan Walker, took to Twitter and added: "Looks like a major incident in progress in Leith docks, multiple fire and ambulances on site ship in dry dock leaning at 45 degree angle.

"Air Ambulance in attendance now also." A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed more than three crews are in attendance and the incident remains ongoing.

The Scottish Ambulance Service said: “We received a call at 0829 hours today to attend an incident in Leith. We have dispatched five ambulances, an air ambulance, three trauma teams, our special operations team (SORT), three Paramedic Response Units (PRU) and one patient transport vehicle.”

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "Officers and emergency service colleagues are responding to an incident at Imperial Dock in Leith, Edinburgh, whereby a ship on dry dock has become dislodged from its holding.

"Police were called to attend at around 8.35am on Wednesday, 22 March, 2023 and officers remain at the scene.

"The public are asked to avoid the area to allow emergency service access."

Leith councillor Adam McVey tweeted: "Emergency services are responding to a major incident at Leith docks - a ship has been dislodged from its holding in strong winds.

"Terrifying for those on board, my thoughts are with those who've been injured and hope everyone recovers quickly. Please avoid area."

We'll bring you more information and updates on this breaking news story as we get it. In the meantime, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest news, what's on, trending stories and sport.

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