Four teenagers charged after 'group of intruders' seen breaking into abandoned hospital
The teenagers have been reported to the youth justice authorities
Four teenagers have been arrested and charged in connection with a break-in at the disused Liberton Hospital in the south of the city.
Police said they were contacted about intruders inside the former hospital at around 5.10pm on Wednesday.
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There have been growing concerns among residents in recent months about groups of youths trespassing on the derelict site, which was acquired by Edinburgh council in 2023.
Earlier this year, plans were announced to demolish the building to make way for 400 low-carbon homes.
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On Thursday, police confirmed two boys aged 15 and two girls, aged 15 and 16, had been charged in connection with the incident.
A spokesperson said they will be reported to the youth justice authorities.
A spokesperson for Edinburgh council said: "There has been an increase in the number of young people illegally accessing the site.
“Last night there were three arrests and today the Council’s security contractor, SPS, will attend the site to clear up and secure the smashed windows.
"The site is protected by CCTV and we have manned guards 24 hours a day, patrolling the site every 30 minutes.
"If you witness anything suspicious or have concerns about any anti-social behaviour at the site, contact Police Scotland on 999."
The site on Lasswade Road was managed by NHS Lothian and closed its doors at the end of 2025.
The health board accepted the council's £14.8million bid for the hospital and the neighbouring Scottish Blood Transfusion Centre in March 2023.
The development is expected to consist of up to 50 per cent affordable homes, and will include specialist homes for elderly and disabled residents.