16-year-old charged after ‘suspicious’ death of young man in Leith

John McNab, 22, died on Tuesday after emergency services were called to reports of an injured man

2 days ago

A 16 year old has been arrested and charged following the death of a 22-year-old in Leith.

John McNab, 22, died on Tuesday morning.

He was pronounced dead on the scene at Great Junction Street after emergency services were called around 2:10 a.m. on September 2nd.

The police have been treating the death as suspicious and a 16 year old has been arrested and charged in connection to the death and was due in court yesterday [September 4th].

Forensic officers were seen erecting tents and a cordon was in place on Great Junction Street.

A 22-year-old man who died in Edinburgh on Tuesday, 2 September, has been named as John McNab.

A 16-year-old male youth has been arrested and charged in connection with the death and is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, 4 Sept.

More: https://t.co/KOFrPnUesM pic.twitter.com/sul3n79A7o

— Police Scotland Edinburgh (@PSOSEdinburgh) September 3, 2025

Additional police patrols were undertaken in the area following the death to provide reassurance to the community as the investigation continued.

Detective Inspector Kevin Tait, of the Major Investigations Team, said: “I would like to extend my sympathies to John’s family and friends at this very difficult time.

“Enquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances and anyone with information should contact the inquiry team through 101, quoting reference number 0239 of Tuesday, 2 September, 2025.

Tributes to John have poured in on social media, with a former teacher of the young man writing on X that the “whole community of Leith is devastated.”

His former youth football team, Leith Athletic FC, also shared an emotional farewell to the young man, saying that “John was a popular player and part of our 2003 age group.

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“Our thoughts and prayers are with John’s family and friends at this sad time.” Flowers and cards were left at the scene of his death later that day.

Leith Athletic are saddened to hear of the tragic passing of John McNab.

John was a popular player and part of our 2003 age group.

Our thoughts and prayers are with John’s family and friends at this sad time.

Rest in peace🖤 pic.twitter.com/WU8LejRTIO

— Leith Athletic FC (@LeithAthleticFC) September 3, 2025

Ben MacPherson, the MSP for Leith and North Edinburgh, spoke about his death, saying: “Like so many others locally in our community, I am really sad and extremely concerned about this shocking and tragic incident.

“My thoughts are with everyone impacted, especially John McNab’s family and friends. My deepest condolences to you all at this incredibly difficult time.”

Like so many others locally in our community, I am really sad and extremely concerned about this shocking and tragic incident. My thoughts are with everyone impacted, especially John McNab’s family and friends. My deepest condolences to you all at this incredibly difficult time. https://t.co/VRUYOsvGPK

— Ben Macpherson MSP (@BenMacpherson) September 3, 2025

Detective officers are conducting door-to-door enquiries and reviewing CCTV footage. Police have also appealed for witnesses, urging anyone in the area at the time, or with dashcam or CCTV footage, to contact them.

Featured image via Police Scotland and Google Maps.

Phoebe Davies | News

16-year-old charged after ‘suspicious’ death of young man in Leith

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