Three teenage girls have been charged after a young boy was struck by a cone that was thrown from the second floor of a shopping centre.

The item was dropped from height at the Ocean Terminal complex in Leith, Edinburgh, on Boxing Day last year.

A seven-year-old boy who was about to climb the stairs from the ground floor of the shopping centre was hit on the leg by the safety cone.

He was not injured, however officers said the incident could have had serious or fatal consequences.

Three 13-year-old girls have now been charged with culpable and reckless conduct and they have been reported to the Children’s Reporter.

Constable Nicole Napier, who is based at Leith Police Station, said: "This was a senseless act that had to potential to seriously injure or worse. We have now charged three teenagers in connection with this matter and I wish to thank everyone who assisted throughout the course of our investigation."