Man attacked by group in Edinburgh murder bid amid escalating gang war

A man has been taken to hospital after being attacked by a group in an attempted murder in Edinburgh, linked to an escalating gang war.

Officers received a report of a man having been seriously assaulted by a gang in the Pitcairn Grove area of the city around 9.20pm on Thursday.

The 54-year-old man was taken to hospital following the attack, where he remains.

Four or five men, all dressed in dark coloured clothing and wearing balaclavas, got out a grey-coloured Land Rover Discovery and attacked him.

Officers are treating the incident as attempted murder and linked to several incidents which have been ongoing in the east and west of Scotland.

Gang war incident on Pitcairn Grove STV News

Enquiries have established the Land Rover Discovery travelled eastbound along the M8 following the attack.

Officers are appealing to any road users on the M8 on Thursday night to contact them.

STV News understands an ambulance was dispatched to the scene but was stood down as the patient made their own way to hospital.

Detective Superintendent Paul Grainger said: “This has been a targeted attack and we are continuing our enquiries 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 dash cams 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 via 101, quoting incident number 3866 of Thursday, May 22 2025.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can remain anonymous.