18-Year-Old Soldier Burned And Wounded In Horrific Abduction After Meeting Tinder Date
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WARNING: CONTAINS DISTRESSING IMAGES
An 18-year-old solider was burned and beaten after being abducted while on a Tinder date.
Cobhan Mclelland, of Edinburgh, had agreed to meet up with a woman in the early hours of Sunday (21 March) morning after matching on the dating site.
However, when he arrived at the property, where he believed he would be meeting his date, he was allegedly 'abducted' by a man who is said to have assaulted him, refusing to let him leave.
Following reports of a disturbance, police visited the address and the teenager, who resides at Dreghorn Barracks in Colinton, was rushed to a high dependency unit in Edinburgh.
Dylan Rigby, 19, was arrested at the scene.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Defence confirmed that Cobhan was being treated for his injuries and that police were investigating.
They said: "We can confirm that there was an incident involving a serviceman and a civilian in the early hours of Sunday morning.
"The serviceman was taken to hospital and police are investigating the incident."
Rigby appeared at court earlier this week charged with abduction, assault to severe injury, danger of life, and attempted murder.
No plea or declaration was made.
Speaking to The Daily Record, a Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Officers were called to an address in Kidlaw Close, Edinburgh, at around 6.05am on Sunday, 21 March following a disturbance within a property.
"Specialist officers attended and the incident was concluded safely at around 8.05am.
"An 18-year-old man was taken to hospital after being assaulted, and a second man, also aged 19, has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
"He was due to appear before Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 22 March, and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."
Since the attack, Cobhan's mother has set up a GoFundMe page with a goal of raising £2,000 to help with his treatment.
The description reads: "Cobhan experienced life changing trauma, he has severe burns, knife slashes to his face, stab wounds, broken bones.
"The trauma and pain that occurred that night is terrifying, Cobhan is currently in hospital and is needing specialist care for both his wounds and burns.
"The trauma experienced that night will change Cobhan's life forever, a once funny, humorous boy, full of life is now scared to close his eyes and sleep at night.
"Our Son/Grandson/Brother has the kindest soul so we're devastated to see the pain which he is in. Cobhan will now live with scars to last a lifetime, both mentally and physically.
"To help Cobhan, he is going to need counselling and lots of therapy.
"Although we are so lucky that Cobhan is still alive and here with us today, we're also in great pain knowing the long road ahead of us.
"We're aiming to raise money to help towards any therapy which Cobhan may need as there is a very high chance Cobhan may suffer with PTSD from this horrible event."
