Man arrrested and charged with murder after Iranian taxi driver is found stabbed near playpark A TAXI driver has been stabbed to death just yards from a playpark.
Police found Ebrahim Aryaei Nekoo, 41, badly wounded in Saughton Park, Edinburgh, shortly after 7am on Saturday.
The private hire cabbie, originally from Iran, later died from his injuries.
Fellow drivers last night said there had recently been a spate of robberies on taxis.
One said: “It was only a matter of time before a driver was killed.
“We’re now terrified that we could be next. It’s enough to make you consider whether the job is worthwhile. No job is worth risking your life for.”
Last night, Lothian and Borders Police arrested and charged a man with Ebrahim’s murder.
The 47-year-old suspect is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today.
Ebrahim lived in the capital with his wife Mitra. They are believed to have a young son.
Local residents, who live near the park, spoke of their shock at the murder.
Isobel Bird said: “It’s so sad. I knew it was something serious when I saw the police tape go up.
“That path is really quiet but it can be a scary place at night.
“There are all sorts of dodgy goings on and I wouldn’t walk up there alone in the dark.”
Yesterday, the children’s playpark was packed with youngsters and their parents and children enjoying the sun.
One mum, Marie Broughton, 23, of Dalry, said the incident had shocked her.
She added: “It does make you worry about the park but I would still bring my children here. It is safer during the day.”
Chief Inspector Richard Thomas, leading the murder inquiry, said: “Crimes of this nature remain extremely rare.
“But when they do arise, it can be of great concern to our local communities and it is important that we respond appropriately.
“High-visibility patrols will continue in the Saughton Park area”
Meanwhile police have appealed to dog walkers or anyone else who was in the park on Saturday morning to come forward.
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