Man charged over death of two-year-old boy in Muirhouse

A man has been charged in connection with the death of a two-year-old boy in a flat in Edinburgh’s Muirhouse.
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The boy, named yesterday as Julius Czapla, was found seriously injured after emergency services were called to a block of flats in Muirhouse Place West around 9.30am on Saturday morning. He died a short time later.

Police confirmed on Sunday night that a 40-year-old man had been charged in connection with the death, and is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday.

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Detective chief inspector Lynn McFall said: “I’d like to thank the local people in the Muirhouse community for their help during this inquiry. This was an isolated incident.”

The boy was found seriously injured and died shortly afterwards. Picture: JPIMediaThe boy was found seriously injured and died shortly afterwards. Picture: JPIMedia
The boy was found seriously injured and died shortly afterwards. Picture: JPIMedia

Hundreds of tributes have poured in as the local community was left in shock.

A neighbour who lives in the building said: “They seem like a very quiet family. They keep themselves to themselves. He was a lovely wee boy, I’ve seen him in the stair. We are all thinking of them at this time.”

Pauline Nicole-Bowie, Director of Low Income Families Together based at the Muirhouse Millennium Centre said the community had taken the news “very, very hard”.

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"The family were not well known in the area, they seemed quiet.

Police the scenePolice the scene
Police the scene

"Though they weren't known to our service, I know that everyone will be there for them. They will be well looked after.”

Pictures taken from the scene in Muirhouse on Saturday showed the entrance to a block of flats taped off and a police officer standing outside the doorway. Forensic officers were also seen entering the building.

Candles, flowers and soft toys were left at a tree nearby and cards were placed at the scene.

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Kevin Lang, councillor for Almond ward said: “This has been such tragic and upsetting news. My heart goes out to all the family and friends who I know will be devastated by the Julius’ loss.

A police officer stands outside the doorway to the block of flats in Muirhouse Place WestA police officer stands outside the doorway to the block of flats in Muirhouse Place West
A police officer stands outside the doorway to the block of flats in Muirhouse Place West

“There is a strong sense of community in Muirhouse and I know local people will come together and support each other, just as they have always done here in the past. The Police are carrying out a full and thorough investigation and I would encourage anyone who has any relevant information to contact them as soon as possible.”

Others paid tribute on social media.

Among them was Plesea Danut who said: “I went today with my family to pay the respects the poor wee soul and my eight year old boy asked me where the wee boy went. How do you answer that? It is totally heartbreaking, that poor innocent kid taken so so early, just why.”

Another, Sean Evans said: “Awful news, still in tears.”

Kathellen Will said: “Poor little boy you are in our prayers.”

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Tracy Stirling said: “You’re going to be missed wee man. Shine bright.”

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