Schoolboy, 14, and teen, 17, charged following 'sex offender protests' across Midlothian

Two male teenagers have been charged following disruption at a protest in Penicuik.

The protest was part of a series of demonstrations across Midlothian, including Bonnyrigg and Dalkeith, on Monday, July 27.

Police said two males, aged 14 and 17, were present outside a property at Pavilion Court in Penicuik, along with other protesters.

Police subsequently arrested and charged the pair. They added enquiries into other incidents, including vandalism to cars and properties, remain ongoing.

Officers have issued a warning over violent behaviour at protests, with recent demonstrations linked to sex offenders, or people perceived to be sex offenders, being housed in their communities.

Chief Inspector Gordon Couper said: “We recognise the concern and distress these incidents have caused to residents in Midlothian. Our role is to ensure public safety, responding proportionally to any incidents that happen and minimise disruption.

“Recent protests have focused on registered sex offenders and people perceived to be sex offenders.

“Our approach to policing these events remains unchanged. Campaigning and peaceful protests are legitimate in a democratic society.

“We recognise and uphold the right of individuals to express their views lawfully and to protest peacefully.

“However, there is a clear distinction between lawful protest and criminal behaviour. We are not opposed to peaceful protest; we are committed to preventing crime.

“Violence, disorder, hate crime and threatening and abusive behaviour that places others at risk are not forms of protest and will be dealt with appropriately.”

He also warned against “outing” sex offenders online or physically confronting them, as it compromises the police’s ability to do their job, takes up resources and affects response times to serious incidents.