Skip to main content
BBC NEWS / EDINBURGH, EAST AND FIFE
Graphics VersionBBC Sport Home
News Front Page | Africa | Americas | Asia-Pacific | Europe | Middle East | South Asia | UK | Business | Health | Science & Environment | Technology | Entertainment | Also in the news | Have Your Say |
UK Contents:  England | Northern Ireland | Scotland | Wales | UK Politics | Education | Magazine

13:36 GMT, Wednesday, 14 May 2008 14:36 UK

Bogus fireman attended major fire

Edinburgh fire (Pic: Kathleen Dodge)

A police investigation is under way after a bogus firefighter managed to bluff his way on to the scene of a major flat blaze in Edinburgh.

The man joined crews last month as they tackled a fire which tore through a block of flats under construction.

It is understood he spent 15 minutes at the site on Hawkhill Close, near Hibs' Easter Road stadium.

Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service said the man was not involved directly in tackling the fire.

A spokeswoman said: "I can confirm a man posing as a firefighter presented himself at the scene of the incident.

"However, this person was not involved in any firefighting operations and the matter is under investigation."

The spokeswoman, who dismissed reports that the man was dressed in full uniform, said she was unable to give more details at this stage.

A spokeswoman for Lothian and Borders Police said: "We are looking into the circumstances surrounding the incident and inquiries are ongoing."

At least 55 firefighters battled the blaze in April - one of the biggest fires to hit in Edinburgh in many years.

No one was injured, but about 50 residents in neighbouring properties were evacuated from their homes amid fears that a tower crane used during the construction could collapse.

The huge structure was dismantled a few days later.



E-mail this to a friend
Related to this story:
Residents return home after fire (10 Apr 08 |  Edinburgh, East and Fife )
Precarious crane being taken down (09 Apr 08 |  Edinburgh, East and Fife )
'Precarious' crane exclusion zone (07 Apr 08 |  Edinburgh, East and Fife )
In pictures: Edinburgh fire (06 Apr 08 |  In Pictures )
Fire prevents residents returning (06 Apr 08 |  Edinburgh, East and Fife )
Huge fire destroys block of flats (05 Apr 08 |  Edinburgh, East and Fife )

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Lothian and Borders Police
Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade
Edinburgh City Council
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites



SEARCH BBC NEWS: 

News Front Page | Africa | Americas | Asia-Pacific | Europe | Middle East | South Asia | UK | Business | Health | Science & Environment | Technology | Entertainment | Also in the news | Have Your Say |
UK Contents:  England | Northern Ireland | Scotland | Wales | UK Politics | Education | Magazine

NewsWatch | Notes | Contact us | About BBC News | Profiles | History

^ Back to top | BBC Sport Home | BBC Homepage | Contact us | Help | ©