Newhailes vandalism: Police say exploded canisters found in Musselburgh woodland estate could cause 'horrific injuries' to children
and live on Freeview channel 276
During lockdown, Magdalene Woods, within the grounds of the Newhailes National Trust Estate, has become a hotspot for anti-social behaviour, with the Evening News reporting last week that the area was targeted by vandals.
Trees were chopped down, some had their bark stripped off, and others had fires set at their bases.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdWhile conducting patrols in response to ongoing antisocial behaviour in the grounds of Newhailes House, Local Community officers discovered areas where further damage has been caused to trees and evidence of a large fire having being set under a tree.
In a Facebook post on Monday, East Lothian police said: “Due to the location of the fire and the trees close proximity to industrial units, this action clearly could have caused substantial damage.
“Furthermore, someone has destroyed a sheet of foam insulation and strewn it over a large area. This will take some time to clear up.
“However, a second fire was discovered having been set in a different part of the estate. Worryingly three exploded hairspray canisters were found in the remnants of the fire.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“Community officers would like to stress how extremely dangerous and reckless throwing a pressurised flammable can into a fire can be.”
The post concluded: “Please can parents remind their children about this danger, as there are numerous press articles detailing the horrific injuries to children that this action can result in.”
Anyone with information about any of the issues raised can contact Musselburgh Community Policing team on 101.