A major investigation has been launched into an ongoing feud between crime gangs in Edinburgh which has seen properties firebombed and shots fired in the capital’s streets.
Police Scotland said a team of detectives, along with specialist and divisional officers, are working to disrupt the criminal activity currently blighting the nation’s east coast.
A home in Edinburgh’s Hay Drive was firebombed during the early hours of Sunday.
Police are probing the “suspicious fire” along with two shooting incidents in the city.
On Thursday, a firearm was discharged at a property in Niddrie Marischal Crescent. The following day a gun was fired at an address in West Pilton Bank.
No one was injured in either attack, but police believe both incidents are linked to groups “who are actively targeting each other”.
Earlier this month, a beauty salon in Leith’s Albert Street and a storage warehouse in Musselburgh, East Lothian, went up in flames.
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Sky News understands officers are keeping an open mind as to whether these incidents are linked to the others.
Superintendent Paul Gillespie said: “We understand this will be concerning for local communities, but I want to reassure everyone that we are pursuing those involved and are using every tool and tactic at our disposal.
“From our investigations so far, we believe these are linked to groups who are actively targeting each other.”
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The force said “significant” CCTV footage had been collected and, on Saturday, road and vehicle checks across several streets in the Ferry Road, Niddrie and Pennywell areas were carried out.
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Superintendent Gillespie added: “We are carrying out additional high-visibility patrols and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to approach these officers.
“We understand the significant impact this has had on the local community. If you know anything that could help, please do the right thing and speak to police.”
