An Edinburgh local has spoken of no longer feeling safe in their community after a "mass brawl" broke out that saw bus services pulled in part of the city last night.
Police were called to Portobello High Street at around 7:30pm on Monday (April 19) following reports of "a disturbance involving a group of youths".
An eyewitness, who wishes to remain anonymous, has told Edinburgh Live that at least 30 youngsters were crowded around the bus stop when she saw the incident unfold.
She said: "Just as we were crossing the road, the main crossroads in Portobello, we were walking along and saw that outside the bus stop, there was a big group of people. At first, I asked my mum ‘how are they allowed to meet?' because there were at least 30 of them.
"We walked a bit further and it seemed like there was some commotion, with a group of boys and girls who were trying to get on the bus.
"One of the boys was arguing with another one of them who was standing off the bus. Then, a person who was standing in a big group at the bus just threw himself at him while he was trying to get away on the bus. They were going back and forth and then more people got involved and their friends and stuff jumped in."
After witnessing, what she described as, the "mass brawl", the pair ran to the nearby police station but could not trace an officer, so dialled for emergency services using the phone outside.
The concerned local said: "My mum called and said there was a big fight happening and there were around 30 teenagers. Then I realised they were coming towards us and told her we shouldn't be standing here when they walk over because they'll know that we called the police. We had to hang up.
"To get home we have to drive past, so we stopped to make sure the bus driver was okay, and saw all of the young people run up the street to Rosefield Park. So, they escaped the police."
Lothian Buses were forced to divert services away from the high street following the incident, citing "anti-social behaviour". It comes after Edinburgh Live reported youths were caught "smacking" Just Eat bikes in broad daylight in Portobello.
To receive one WhatsApp message a day with Edinburgh Live's headlines, as well as breaking news alerts, text NEWS to 07899067815. Then add the number to your contacts as 'Edinburgh Live'.
For the local, the recent spate of incidents has left her feeling unsafe in the bustling neighbourhood, which sees crowds flock to its seaside promenade when temperatures begin to rise.
"I've been talking about this a lot with family, it's hard growing up in an area that you don't really feel safe in anymore. For me and my sister, who are young women, who walk quite regularly around the area we just don't feel safe anymore", she explained.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were called around 7.30pm on Monday, 19 April, to a report of a disturbance involving groups of youths in the Portobello High Street area.
“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and identify those responsible. Anyone who can help is asked to contact us on 101, quoting incident 3468 of Monday, 19 April, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
