More than 40 people arrested amid ongoing gang war violence in Edinburgh and Lanarkshire

More than 40 people have now been arrested in connection with disorder which has broken out amid an ongoing ‘gang war’ in the central belt.

On Friday morning, police executed warrants at addresses in Edinburgh, Whitburn and Bathgate.

Three teenage men aged 18 and one man aged 31 were arrested and charged in connection with a deliberate fire at a house on Pitcairn Grove on Thursday, May 8.

One of the 18-year-olds, along with the 31-year-old man, have also been arrested and charged in connection with a fire at a business premises on Cumbernauld Road in Stepps on the same date.

They are all expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday.

In the past week, a 21-year-old man was arrested in connection with two attempted murders and deliberate fires in Glasgow and Bishopbriggs in April.

The latest arrests have been linked to ongoing violence in the west and east of Scotland.

A total of 41 people have now been arrested in connection with the disorder.

Extensive enquiries remain ongoing and a dedicated team of officers from the Specialist Crime Division, with support from local divisions across the country, continue to work together to gather vital evidence and reassure the public with intelligence-led patrols.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry said: “I want to reiterate that violence will not be tolerated and we will not stop until we bring those responsible to justice.

“We continue to work tirelessly and are following a number of positive lines of enquiry

“The support of our communities is absolutely vital when it comes to tackling serious organised crime, preventing violence and getting justice for victims. I want to again thank the public for their continued help and information so far.

“If you know anything about these dangerous and abhorrent acts, please do the right thing and speak to us.”

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.