Police in ‘wall of silence’ over Ferry park incident

Locals left to speculate after forensics seal off Orchar Park

Tayside Police have been accused of putting up a wall of silence following a “serious” incident at a popular Dundee park.

Officers were called to Orchar Park in Broughty Ferry some time between Friday night and Saturday morning and were seen sweeping the scene for evidence behind a cordon.

Specialists carried out investigations on at least three areas of forensic interest on Saturday morning, with an incident tent erected by the afternoon.

Police had left the scene by yesterday but stunned locals said they were left to speculate after the force refused to reveal any information about the incident, including whether or not they are seeking witnesses.

Mike and Alisha Callaghan, who live at a property overlooking the scene with their three children, said officers had not been in touch, despite them having a security camera facing on to the park.

“They must have seen us come in and out of our property,” Mrs Callaghan said. “We thought it was strange that they hadn’t been in to see us, especially as it looked like it was something serious.

“The camera isn’t working at the moment but they wouldn’t have known that. Rumours have been running wild – my daughter was told there had been a double murder but we have no idea.”

Another resident, who lives across the street from the park but did not wish to be named, said he too had heard a number of different stories about what had happened and was “quite concerned” to walk in the area.

A police source insisted the incident was “not a murder” but more than 24 hours after The Courier first appealed for comment, the force was still not able to substantiate this claim.

A spokesman did confirm there was “no wider risk to the public” but was unable to say the date or time of the incident, its nature, whether anyone had been injured and whether or not they are appealing for the public to come forward with information.

Steven McGlash, 32, works at the Suzuki West End garage which backs on to the scene of the investigation and confirmed they had also not been contacted. “I went for a walk round to see what was going on at around 8.30am on Saturday and they were already set up by that point – we haven’t been told what happened,” he said.

Broughty Ferry councillor Craig Duncan said he has written to Chief Inspector Nicky Russell to raise concerns about the lack of information.

He added: “We all understand there are reasons why police may not be able to reveal some operational details.

“However, I think it is fair to say that local residents deserve to know the nature of an incident like this and whether they have cause for concern.”

Pictures: Gareth Jennings. Specialist officers erected an incident tent and were seen sweeping for evidence on Saturday.

Police activity at the scene.