Police in West Lothian have arrested and charged a 22-year-old man following a serious assault in Blackburn on New Year’s Day.
The incident was initially reported to have taken place at around 4.45am in Rowan Street, but enquiries now indicate it took place within an address on Rowan Street.
There was also initially reported to be three suspects, but it’s now believed that only one man was involved.
The 40-year-old victim has since been released from hospital.
The 22-year-old is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday 11 January.
Chief Inspector Stevie Dolan said: “Having recently met with members of the public and councillors from Blackburn, I’m aware that there were concerns within the local community about this incident.
“Whilst it remains the case that the victim was seriously assaulted, I would like to reassure the local community that our enquiries have revealed that the incident was not as first understood.
“This was initially reported to have been an unprovoked attack by three men within the street. Our enquiries now suggest that the assault was not committed in a public place, and that the victim and the suspect are known to each other.
“Officers will continue to conduct patrols in Blackburn in relation to other ongoing issues, and I would encourage members of the public to speak to officers if they have any concerns.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
