Fourth tragedy at block of city flats

A WOMAN who reportedly died from drug-related issues has become the fourth sudden death at a block of social housing since the start of lockdown.

Police Scotland confirmed the body of a 24-year-old woman was discovered inside a property on the Cowgate on Monday.

The sight of police has become all too common for residents in recent months, with the Tele first reporting a 27-year-old man’s sudden death in his flat in August.

One resident claimed there had been another death prior to that since lockdown started, which the property manager of Hillcrest Homes later confirmed.

Then, in October, the body of a 38-year-old man was discovered at a property in the block.

One resident has claimed the street is now a “lethal cocktail” of challenging tenants, antisocial issues and drug dealing.

The tenant who did not wish to be named, said: “There are only 19 flats within this block and that’s the fourth person to have died in here since lockdown.

“My condolences go to the woman’s family.

“The morale here is at rock bottom...if you bring people in with challenging circumstances and add drug dealing and antisocial issues you’ve got a lethal cocktail.”

Another local said he saw an unmarked police vehicle on scene shortly before 6pm on Tuesday.

He said: “I saw the police going into the block. There was an unmarked car which suggested to me the CID were still there.

“There was also a large police van at the scene. To hear another young life has been taken in that block is tragic. It must be horrendous living in there at the moment.”

A spokesman for Hillcrest said it was working with the police investigation into the ongoing issues at the Cowgate and could not give further comment on the incident.

He added: “We would like to reiterate that all of our properties are let to tenants in line with local common housing registers and legal requirements.

“We also have a range of support services available for those experiencing substance misuse issues. We would encourage anyone concerned to get in touch.

“We’d like to offer our sincere thoughts and condolences to all affected, and reassure our Cowgate tenants we are working hard to bring these issues to a close.”

A police spokeswoman said there were no suspicious circumstances and a report had been sent to the procurator fiscal.

A police van at the scene.