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Groups 'targeting each other' in city shootings

BBC Police officers on a road, a section of which has been cordoned off with blue and white police tape at either endBBC
Police have been carrying out investigations around West Pilton Bank

Police investigating separate incidents of shots being fired in Edinburgh say they believe they were linked to groups who were "actively targeting each other".

The first incident happened in Niddrie Marischal Crescent at about 03:05 on Thursday.

Then at about 07:55 on Friday, there was a report of shots being fired eight miles away in West Pilton Bank.

Police said there were no reported injuries in either incident and "extensive inquiries" were being carried out.

West Pilton Road and Pennywell Road were closed following the incident on Friday morning and police were asking people to avoid the area.

A uniformed police officer stands next to a police car which is parked in a driveway which has been taped off
Police Scotland said officers would continue to be in the area while investigations continue

Det Insp Alison MacDonald said: "It is imperative that we trace whoever is responsible for this dangerous act as soon as possible. I would urgently appeal to anyone with information to please get in contact with us.

"We believe this incident may be linked to groups who are actively targeting each other and extensive enquiries are ongoing into this line of investigation.

"We have a dedicated team who are trawling CCTV footage and carrying out door-to-door inquiries.

"I would be keen to hear from anyone in the area who has dashcam, private CCTV or doorbell footage from Thursday night into Friday morning.

"There will continue to be a police presence in the area while our investigation is ongoing."

Supt Paul Gillespie said: "Thankfully, no-one was injured in this incident but I understand this will be very worrying for the people living in this community.

"Officers will remain the area and I would ask anyone with any concerns to speak to us.

"I want to reassure the local community we are fully committed to tracing the person responsible as soon as possible.

"If you have any information or footage that can assist our investigation, please get in touch."

White BMW seen in the area

Around the time of Thursday's incident, a white BMW 1 series car was seen in the area and officers are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen this vehicle.

At about 04:30 a vehicle was found in Main Street in Edinburgh's Dalmeny area.

Inquiries are ongoing to establish if it is linked to the incident in Niddrie Marischal Crescent.

The vehicle has been taken away for forensic examination.

Det Insp Martin Smith said: "A dedicated team of officers are working to trace whoever is responsible for this reckless act as quickly as possible.

"From our inquiries so far, we believe this incident may be linked to groups who are actively targeting each other.

"We understand this incident will be concerning for the local community but please be assured we are working hard to trace those involved."

He added: "We would urge anyone with information on this car, or anyone with dashcam, doorbell footage or personal footage, to review it and get in touch with officers.

"I am keen to hear from anyone who saw the car in Niddrie Marischal Crescent or the Dalmeny area.

"Please think back - did you see this car? Or did you see anything suspicious in the area around the time?

"If you have any information at all, please contact us."