Teen charged after 'stolen' car hits pedestrian in Edinburgh city centre police chase

A teenager has been charged after allegedly leading police on a car chase and hitting a pedestrian.

Police spotted the car they believed to be stolen being driven in the West Port area of the city around 7.50pm on Wednesday and began a pursuit when the driver failed to stop.

Officers chased the car on Lady Lawson Street towards Lothian Road before abandoning the pursuit for safety reasons.

The vehicle then went on to hit a female pedestrian on Princes Street before continuing on to South Saint David Street where it crashed into another vehicle.

The pedestrian was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment while the driver of the other vehicle was uninjured.

Police said a 17-year-old male was arrested on Market Street after a foot chase and was charged in connection with road traffic offences.

He was released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 7.50pm on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, officers observed a stolen vehicle being driven in the West Port area of Edinburgh.

“It failed to stop, and a short pursuit took place on Lady Lawson Street towards Lothian Road where it was cancelled for safety reasons.

“Shortly afterwards, the same vehicle then struck a female pedestrian on Princes Street, before continuing onto South Saint David Street where it crashed into another vehicle.

“A 17-year-old male was arrested on Market Street by officers following a short foot chase.

“He has been charged in connection with road traffic offences and released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date.

“We would like to thank members of the public who assisted officers in tracing the male.”