Suspicious fire in Albert Drive

Strathclyde Police are appealing for information and witnesses following a fire in Albert Drive, Pollokshields in the early hours of Monday 24 September 2012.

Around 2am on Monday morning, Police and Fire and Rescue services received a report of a fire in the first floor of a tenement in Albert Drive. Three men aged 32, 60 and 61 jumped from a window on the first floor. All three men were taken to Glasgow’s Victoria Infirmary where they were detained in a stable condition.

Three other people were evacuated from the building. A further six were evacuated from a nearby building as a precaution.

Officers are now treating the fire as suspicious and a joint investigation is underway. Because of the unsafe condition of the building, the investigating officers from both services have been unable to carry out thorough investigations.

Occupants of the building, including local businesses, have also been unable to return due to essential work required to make the building safe.

There are no descriptions of any suspects and officers are appealing for anyone who was in or around Albert Drive around 2am to contact them. They are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have seen someone hanging around or acting suspiciously or anyone running away from Albert Drive.

Anyone with any information should contact Gorbals Police Office on 0141 532 5374.  Alternatively they can contact CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 where they can remain anonymous.

AMEEN aim to be advocates.

A new network has been set up to help reduce inequalities among people in minority ethnic communities.

Called Alliance Minority Ethnic Empowerment Network (AMEEN), it aims to provide advice and advocacy particularly in housing issues.

The brainchild of Sofi Parveen who is now Chairperson, and friends, it is designed to provide holistic support. Said Sofi: ‘Even though I speak fluent English, I found it frustrating not to be able to access the support I needed and to have to face inequalities in trying to find a job. This organisation will spearhead these issues. We aim to empower families from different cultures and backgrounds. By doing so we will make a powerful statement.’

Funded by Scottish Community Foundation, the group has a working base in Torrisdale Street in Govanhill. It has a drop in session in the nearby Larkfield Centre, Inglefield Street on Tuesdays from 1pm till 4pm and in St Ninian’s Episcopal Church, in Albert Drive, Pollokshields on Thursdays from 1pm till 4pm.

The volunteers who will provide the support for AMEEN clients will be trained and given personal development opportunities.

At the launch event, dramatised accounts of some real life experiences were acted out to show how advocacy can bring a suitable solution to sometimes difficult-to-handle problems.

Said Sofi: ‘Advocacy can play a powerful role in helping people resolve issues of unfair treatment or discrimination.’

Westminster MP Anas Sarwar, reaffirmed his commitment to helping disadvantaged communities in tackling inequalities. ‘He has been brilliant,’ said Sofi. ‘He understands the kind of inequalities we are confronting.’

MSP Hanzala Malik also attended the opening event. ‘He has expressed a supportive attitude,’ said Sofi.

The Housing Support Project aims to help families and individuals who are currently needing advice and support in housing matters. They will be offered free, independent, confidential and culturally sensitive help from AMEEN.

The organisation can be contacted on: mob 07403491660 or email:office@a-meen.org.uk Languages currently spoken include: Punjabi, Urdu, Arabic, Igbo and German as well as English.