Man attacked in incident linked to suspected gang feud

Police are treating a “targeted attack” on a 54-year-old man as linked to a suspected gang feud in Scotland’s central belt.

The attack on Edinburgh’s Pitcairn Grove on Thursday evening involved four or five men dressed in dark clothing and wearing balaclavas. The got out of a grey Land Rover Discovery before carrying out the assault.

Police said they were alerted to the incident at about 9.20pm, and confirmed they are treating it as attempted murder.

The victim was taken to hospital, where he remains.

Police confirmed the attack is likely linked to a recent spate of assaults, shootings and firebombings in the Edinburgh and Glasgow areas, which are thought to have been carried out by rival gangs.

Officers said inquiries have established the Land Rover travelled eastbound along the M8 on Thursday night, and have appealed to road users to check dashcam footage.

Detective Superintendent Paul Grainger said on Friday: “This has been a targeted attack and we are continuing our inquiries to identify those responsible.

“We know the Land Rover Discovery drove along the M8 eastbound last night.

“It may have been driven at speed or erratically, so I would appeal to any motorists with dashcams to check their footage as the images could be significant to our investigation.

“If anyone has any information regarding this crime, please contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3866 of Thursday May 22. Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where they can remain anonymous.