Gang war arrests reach 49 as Chief Constable urges public to help 'prevent violence'

Arrests in connection with an ongoing gang war across Scotland have reached 49 with Police Scotland’s Chief Constable urging members of the public to come forward.

Police arrested and charged two men on Monday, June 16, in connection with the attempted murder of a 54-year-old man on Pitcairn Grove on Thursday, May 22.

Joshua Stewart, 20, and Arran Reid, 26, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday, June 17, and made no plea.

Reid was charged with a number of offences, including attempted murder, possession of a firearm and drugs. Stewart was charged with attempted murder.

Both were remanded in custody to appear in court again at a later date.

A 26-year-old man was also arrested in connection with outstanding warrants after officers attended a property in the Muirhouse Drive area of the city at around 6pm on Sunday, June 15.

He was also charged with wilful fire at a premises in Albert Street in Edinburgh on Thursday, March 6, and was due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, June 16.

Arrests in connection with Operation Portaledge, the ongoing investigation into violent incidents across the country, have reached 49.

A 17-year-old man was arrested and charged in relation to two wilful fireraisings in Edinburgh during the early hours of Monday, June 9 in Niddrie Marischal Crescent and Campion Road.

The 17-year-old was arrested on Tuesday, June 24. He was released on an undertaking to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

At a meeting of the Scottish Police Authority on Thursday, Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: “The support of our communities is essential in tackling serious and organised crime, preventing violence and getting justice for victims.

“I want to thank the public for their assistance so far and encourage anyone else with information to come forward.”

Local and specialist officers continue to carry out extensive enquiries to gather evidence.