Four arrests in connection with Edinburgh gang feud

Four people have been arrested in connection with a suspected gang feud in Edinburgh

Four people have been arrested over a series of incidents thought to be linked to an ongoing feud between crime gangs in Edinburgh.

Marcus Laidley-Sobers, 28, was charged with threatening and abusive behaviour in relation to an incident on 20 March.

Meanwhile, Nicky Robertson, 38, was charged in connection with the reset of a stolen vehicle.

Neither man made any plea during initial appearances at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday and were granted bail, with both cases continued for further examination.

Police have also reported a 16-year-old boy to the procurator fiscal for possession of an offensive weapon on 7 March, alongside various road traffic offences and reset of a stolen vehicle.

A 34-year-old woman was arrested in connection with the stolen car, but was later released.

Police Scotland raided five houses on Wednesday morning in an operation involving its specialist organised crime team.

Officers seized a number of items including a stolen Range Rover.

Det Supt Paul Grainger said he believed the incidents, which included the discharge of firearms and a number of instances of fireraising at homes and businesses in the north and east of the city, may be linked to groups "actively targeting each other".

He said: "It is imperative that we trace whoever is responsible for these reckless acts as soon as possible.

"I want to reassure the community that we have a team of detectives working on this investigation and our action today demonstrates our commitment to tackling this type of crime."

Officers have recovered seven stolen vehicles and are examining more than 2,400 hours of CCTV footage.

A property in the Niddrie Marischal Crescent area was targeted in a shooting on 20 March.

A separate incident of a gun being fired at a house in Pilton is also still under investigation.

Ch Supt David Robertson, divisional commander for Edinburgh, said: "Significant inquiries 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."