Copier thrown from school balcony

A photocopier was thrown from a balcony and windows were smashed following a break-in at a school in Dundee.

Officers were called to Glebelands Primary, on Baffin Street, at about 9pm on Sunday amid reports of a break-in.

One eyewitness said there had been a “few smashed windows” at the rear of the building and that a photocopier was “launched” during the incident.

He added: “Lots of trunking had been ripped off the walls. Then police turned up with dogs.”

Dundee City Council confirmed there had been an “incident” on Sunday evening.

A spokesman said: “We’d appeal for anyone with information to contact Police Scotland immediately.”

The spokesman added that teaching for vulnerable children with parents who are key workers has not been affected.

Councillor Lynne Short, who represents the Maryfield ward where the school is situated, condemned the actions of the culprits, describing it as “terrible”.

She said: “I’m sure that our local community police team will be working with colleagues to catch those involved and anyone with information should get in touch via the usual channels.”

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Around 9pm on Sunday, police attended a report of a break-in at Glebelands Primary School, Baffin Street, Dundee.”

She did not offer any information on how much damage was caused and if any items were stolen.

However, she did add that further inquiries and a forensic examination of the building took place yesterday.

SNP chief executive Peter Murrell has denied lying under oath to a Holyrood committee about a meeting between Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon.

Mr Murrell, who is married to the first minister, was recalled to the inquiry after giving contradictory evidence during his previous appearance before MSPS.

He initially told the committee examining the Scottish Government’s botched and unlawful investigation of Mr Salmond he was not at home when the former first minister told Ms Sturgeon about claims he sexually harassed women.

But in a later answer, Mr Murrell revealed he came home while the meeting was taking place on April 2 2018.

During his second appearance before the committee yesterday, Mr Murrell refused to give a yes or no answer when repeatedly asked if he gave a false statement about the meeting.

In response to committee member Murdo Fraser, who warned that lying under oath can result in a jail sentence of up to five years, Mr Murrell denied he had committed perjury.

Instead, he stressed he was not at the meeting and said he did not see Mr Salmond when he arrived at his Glasgow home.

He added: “I wasn’t here for any part of the meeting, I happened to arrive home just as the meeting was finishing. That’s all I can say, it’s not complicated.

“I absolutely refute what’s being suggested but I just happened to arrive home as the meeting was ending.”

Asked again, he replied: “I wasn’t at the meeting.”

Mr Murrell also said his claim that it was a “Scottish Government matter” – made during his previous appearance before the inquiry – was “merely speculation on my part”.

Asked about his advanced knowledge about the subject of the meeting, Mr Murrell said: “It was limited to the fact that Alex was popping in.

“It could have been about anything.

“Nicola is the leader of the party, and what she tells me is really a matter for her,” he added.

When it was put to him that he lied about telling the committee under oath he was not aware in advance about the planned meeting, Mr Murrell said: “I wasn’t aware that the meeting was for a purpose.

“I just thought he was popping in for a chat about, you know, any, any matter.

“It’s pretty simple. I think you’re trying to suggest things or knowledge that I just don’t have about these things.”

His account raised questions about the evidence of Ms Sturgeon, who stated in her written submission that she suspected Mr Salmond was planning on quitting the SNP, which is why it was not recorded as a government meeting.

Following Mr Murrell’s appearance Mr Fraser said: “Mr Murrell has given false evidence to parliament under oath. We had to drag him back to give evidence because of his previous contradictions around key aspects of his and his wife’s actions in relation to the former first minister.

“Today’s evidence session was no better.

“Mr Murrell seems incapable of giving a straight answer.

“His dismal and shifty performance was a masterclass in evasion.”

Scottish Labour’s Jackie Baillie said: “Once more, Mr Murrell’s appearance before the committee was an exercise in spin and obfuscation.”

UNDER OATH: Paul Murrell at his first appearance before the committee.