Teenager charged with attempted murder amid Central Belt 'gang war' firebombings

A teenager has appeared in court charged with attempted murder after he was arrested in connection with gang war-linked firebombings.

Richard Ordish, 18, and a 17-year-old man were taken into custody after a home was deliberately set alight on Edinburgh’s Hay Drive.

Ordish was also arrested in connection with the torching of a premises and car in the city last month.

The incidents are being linked to two targeted shootings of homes Niddrie Marischal Crescent and West Pilton Bank.

The teenager appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court charged with wilful fireraising, possessing an explosive substance with the intent to endanger life or property and attempted murder.

Ordish made no plea and was remanded in custody. He is due back in court within the next eight days.

Scotland

‘Gang war’ spreads across Scotland’s cities with homes firebombed and shot

The rising number of buildings being torched and shot at is being linked to an ongoing feud between rival criminal groups.

A number arrests have been made in connection with the gang feud which has spread from Edinburgh to Glasgow.

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 since charged a 24-year-old man in connection with two deliberate fires in Edinburgh linked to the feud.