Information given about Dundee incident did not fully reflect situation – police

Police have said that the information they initially shared about an incident involving a girl brandishing weapons in Dundee “did not fully reflect the situation”.

In the incident, which unfolded in the Lochee area of the city in August last year, the 12-year-old produced an axe and knife after being assaulted by Ilia Belov, 22, who was convicted of the offence on Thursday.

He was also found guilty of behaving in a “threatening or abusive manner” towards four girls aged between 12 and 14, and his sister, Nadjedzha Belova, 20, admitted assaulting a 13-year-old girl.

A few days after the incident, police issued a statement saying they were aware of “misinformation” about the event being posted on social media, which they said had involved a “Bulgarian couple” being “approached by youths”.

A video showing a girl brandishing weapons had been posted online.

After Belov’s conviction at Dundee Sheriff Court on Thursday, Tayside divisional commander chief superintendent Elaine Logue spoke about the force’s initial version of events.

“On August 23, 2025, officers responded to an incident in the Lochee area of Dundee,” she said.

“Having ensured the safety of those involved and the wider community, officers took a 14-year-old girl to hospital for care.

“A 12-year-old girl was cautioned and charged, in the company of an adult relative, and was later reported to the Children’s Reporter.

“Following further investigation, including review of CCTV, Ilia Belov and Nadjedzha Belova were charged, resulting in today’s conviction of Belov and of Belova at an earlier hearing.

“This was a distressing incident and led to understandable community concern and significant speculation across social media, including misinformation that Belov and Belova are asylum seekers.

“The incident is an example of the complex situations which officers are required to deal with, and I recognise that initial information did not fully reflect the situation.

“I want to be clear that officers investigate circumstances fully, and without fear or favour, as illustrated by today’s outcome.”