Police ScotlandA quantity of drugs and weapons have been seized as an investigation into deliberate fires linked to an ongoing gang feud continues.
A dedicated team of officers, supported by specialist resources, have visited more than 100 properties as part of extensive door-to-door enquiries and seized almost 700 hours of CCTV footage in connection with a series of fires in Glasgow and the west of Scotland.
One stolen vehicle has also been recovered as part of the ongoing investigation.
Over the last week, a total of six homes and businesses have been torched in Glasgow, with investigators linking the incidents to a gang war which ignited in Edinburgh.
STV NewsThe wilful fires are believed to be connected to two shootings last month, with homes on the capital’s Niddrie Marischal Crescent and West Pilton Bank targeted by gunmen within 48 hours.
Detective Chief Superintendent David Ferry, Specialist Crime Division, said: “It is vital that we trace whoever is responsible for these reckless acts as soon as possible.
“While we believe these to be targeted attacks, the consequences could have been far more serious and I want to make it clear this behaviour will not be tolerated.
“I would urge anyone with information about any of these incidents to please get in touch.
“We would also be keen to speak to anyone with dash-cam, doorbell footage or personal footage, from the areas where these incidents have taken place.
“Significant enquiries are ongoing in relation to all of these incidents, and we are utilising all available resources to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”
Raids have been carried out at properties throughout Edinburgh resulting in the seizure of weapons, drugs and cash.
STV NewsDetectives have made a number of arrests including two men aged 18 and 17 in connection with a home being firebombed on Edinburgh’s Hay Drive.
Officers have also arrested the 18-year-old in connection with the torching of a premises and car in the city last month.
He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Friday, whilst the 17-year-old male youth has been released pending further enquiries.
A 38-year-old man was arrested and charged with reset of a stolen motor vehicle.
A 34-year-old woman was also arrested in connection with a stolen vehicle. A 16-year-old was arrested over reset of a stolen vehicle, various road traffic offences, and possession of an offensive weapon.
A 28-year-old man was also arrested and charged with threatening and abusive behaviour.
Last Thursday, Nicky Robertson, 38, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court charged with reset of a stolen vehicle.
He made no plea and was granted bail.
Marcus Laidley-Sobers, 28, also appeared charged with threatening and abusive behaviour. He made no plea and was granted bail.
Officers have also charged a 24-year-old man in connection with two deliberate fires in Edinburgh linked to the feud.
Detective Chief Superintendent Ferry added: “A number of arrests have already been made in connection with incidents in the East and arrests will continue across the country over the coming weeks.
“I want to reassure the communities in the east and west of Scotland that we have a team of detectives working on this investigation and our continued action in recent weeks demonstrates our commitment to tackling this type of crime.
“We will continue to carry out additional high-visibility patrols and disruption activity and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to approach these officers, so we can take action.
“If anyone has information that can help with our enquiries then please contact us immediately.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0562 of Friday, March 21, 2025.
Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
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