Men arrested under sex worker law

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Six men have been arrested in Edinburgh under a new sex worker law.

The crackdown in Leith Links over the weekend used a new law giving police the power to arrest people attempting to secure the services of prostitutes.

The men, aged between 40 and 62, were all arrested for loitering or soliciting prostitution, offences which carry a maximum £1,000 fine.

They were all released and will appear at court at a later date. The new legislation started on 15 October.

A police spokesman said: "The initiative which took place over the weekend saw increased patrols in the Leith Links area, and as a result six men have been reported to the procurator fiscal and will appear at court at a later date.

"The primary focus of the new legislation is to support women into routes out of prostitution, and to deter those who create the demand in the first instance.

"We will be taking a balanced approach to support prostitutes out of abuse, whilst protecting local residents from the nuisance associated with such activity.

"Those who seek to purchase sexual services now need to reflect carefully on their actions."

The Prostitution (Public Places) Scotland Act 2007 came into force earlier this month.