Police have arrested a number of people and shut a stretch of the A198 in East Lothian after a report of a suspected abduction. The closure, between Cunningham Court and Coal Road in the village of Longniddry, remained in force with a diversion in place as of Friday, 14 August 2026.
Police Scotland confirmed the operation stemmed from a report of an abduction received on Thursday, 13 August 2026, though the force has released few further details about the circumstances.
What has Police Scotland said?
A force spokesperson said officers were continuing to work at the scene, adding:
emergency services are in attendance
enquiries are ongoing
According to STV, police also urged members of the public to stay away from the area while the investigation continues. It remains unclear whether anyone was hurt during the incident, or who the person reportedly abducted might be, the broadcaster said.
There is also some discrepancy in how the number of arrests has been described. Police Scotland referred only to "a number of people" being detained, whereas Edinburgh News reported that "multiple people" had been arrested in connection with the case.
How has the closure affected local transport?
Lothian Buses said a number of its services were unable to reach Longniddry and had been diverted as a result of the road closure. Separately, an unverified social media post claimed armed officers had been seen removing a person from a car, though police have not confirmed this account.
What happens next?
Police have not yet indicated when the road might reopen or whether any charges will follow, saying only that enquiries remain ongoing, according to STV's coverage. No court date or formal charge has been reported so far.
- The A198 has been closed between Cunningham Court and Coal Road in Longniddry, East Lothian.
- Police Scotland said the operation relates to an abduction report received on Thursday, 13 August 2026.
- A number of people have been arrested, though Police Scotland and Edinburgh News differ on whether this means several or multiple individuals.
- Lothian Buses has diverted routes away from the affected area.
- Police say enquiries are ongoing and have urged the public to avoid the scene.
