'Bloodbath' death in Chalmers Crescent
It is reported this morning that the woman pulled from the fire at 18 Chalmers Crescent had suffered stab wounds and the deceased male had been 'battered' to death.
The fire related incident yesterday morning took place around 450 yards from the scene of a tragic fire in December in Argyle Park Terrace where 79 year old Berit Mountain died.
The crime scene is part of a small block of flats managed by Viewpoint Housing Association. It is situated in Grange Road just to the north of St Catherine's Argyle Church and the building is somewhat out of character with the houses (as in the picture) traditionally associated with this part of the Sciennes/ Grange area.
Further details of yesterday's events can be found in the Scotsman, which describes the scene as a 'bloodbath', and the Daily Record which places the incident in the context of other violence elsewhere in Scotland over the week-end.
1 pm update: In this afternoon's Evening News they report the police are waiting to interview Ms Methven over the incident and are reportedly poised to launch a murder investigation.
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2 comments:
Three years ago there was a drug-related killing at another Viewpoint Housing Association property in Newbattle Terrace. This was the culmination of over two years of severe problems with cocaine, and several new residents who were users, and one a dealer. After this incident 5 or 6 residents moved to find a quieter life. Residents who remained were hugely distressed, and Post-Traumatic Stress was common for many months afterwards.
I sympathise deeply not just with the families of the deceased/attacked, but even more so with the residents who have to deal with these kind of issues when they have no prior experience of (or desire to) dealing with this level of violence.
I feel strongly that the Scotland Housing Act, if that is its title, should be revisited by the Scottish Parliament to consider the blanket protection given to tenants, even severely antisocial ones, at the great expense of existing residents and good landlords. ( I do not consider Viewpoint a good landlord.) When I spoke with a Housing Officer at the time of our cocaine troubles I was told, "You have to learn to live with other people's lifestyles." No, I don't, when it involves cocaine, violence and terror.
I would like to see the non-screening policy changed, so that drug users or those with criminal records who seek tenancies should be legally required to agree to give up their habits/behaviour, with appropriate support from suitable agencies, before being offered a tenancy. Most residents will support any new resident seen to have such a problem, if s/he is seen to want to clean up their lives.
I firmly believe that we should all be able to live together, with no discrimination for age, race, sexual preferences. But drugs/criminal behaviour involve an additional moral consideration which MUST be taken into account.
Anonymous,
All noted and I largely agree with you. I also appreciate what you have had to put up with.
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