Police treating suspected shooting of man in Armadale as 'targeted'

A 35-year-old man died following a suspected shooting in a targeted incident in the West Lothian town of Armadale.

Police and paramedics were called to reports of a man injured at an address on Harestanes Road at around 11.50am on Saturday. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

His next of kin have been informed.

The death is being treated as suspicious. Police previously said they were investigating if a firearm was used.

Around 12pm on Saturday, officers received a report of a car on fire in the nearby Netherhouses area.

The blaze was extinguished by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and no injuries were reported.

Officers are keeping an open mind but are investigating the death and the car fire as potentially linked.

On Monday, Superintendent Jocelyn Thomson said: “I understand people will be concerned about these incidents and a significant police presence remains in the area.

“However, this has been a targeted attack, and a team of experienced officers is working on the case. I have every confidence that they will find out who has committed this crime. Additional patrols will be in the area and anyone with concerns can approach these officers.”

Detective Superintendent Michelle Findlay, of the major investigations team, said: “I am asking people to check private CCTV and doorbell cameras for any images that may have been captured which could be important.

“Likewise, if you were driving in the area and have dash-cam, please check your footage and pass on anything you think could be relevant.”

She added: “If you have any information, no matter how insignificant you think it is, please let us know, it could be vital to our ongoing inquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1361 of Saturday, September 12. People can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.