Police launch murder investigation after two men killed in gangland shooting
Police have launched a murder investigation after two men were killed in a gangland shooting outside a pub in Edinburgh on New Year’s Eve. The second victim, a 28-year-old man, died in hospital on Wednesday, two days after the attack that also claimed the life of 37-year-old Marc Webley.
The shooting took place around 9.30pm on Friday outside the Gypsy Brae pub in Granton, where a large group of people had gathered to celebrate Hogmanay. Witnesses reported hearing several gunshots and seeing two men lying on the ground. Both victims were taken to hospital with serious injuries, but Webley was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Police said the shooting was a targeted attack and appealed for anyone with information to come forward. They also urged anyone who may have dashcam or CCTV footage of the incident or the surrounding area to contact them.
Gangster Marc Webley had links to notorious crime family
Marc Webley, who was also known as Marc Morrison, was a well-known figure in Edinburgh’s underworld. He had links to the notorious Cumberton crime family, who are involved in drug dealing, extortion and violence. He was also a close associate of Robert Kelbie, a former boxer and convicted fraudster who survived several assassination attempts.
Webley had a long criminal record, including convictions for assault, robbery and drug offences. He was jailed for six years in 2010 for his role in a £1.2 million heroin bust. He was also accused of being involved in the murder of Alex McKinnon, a rival gangster who was shot dead outside a pub in 2008, but the case was dropped due to lack of evidence.
Police said they were keeping an open mind about the motive for the shooting, but it is believed to be linked to a feud between rival gangs in the city. The identity of the second victim has not been released, but he is thought to be a friend of Webley who was caught in the crossfire.
Residents shocked and scared by shooting in quiet neighbourhood
The shooting has shocked and scared the residents of Granton, a quiet neighbourhood in the north of Edinburgh. Many locals said they heard the gunshots and saw the aftermath of the attack, which left blood stains and bullet casings on the pavement.
One resident, who did not want to be named, said: “It was terrifying. I heard about four or five shots and then people screaming. I looked out the window and saw two men lying on the ground. There was blood everywhere. It was like a scene from a movie.”
Another resident, who also wished to remain anonymous, said: “It’s scary to think that something like this can happen in our street. This is a peaceful area, not a place for gangsters and guns. I hope the police catch whoever did this and bring them to justice.”
Police have increased patrols in the area to reassure the public and prevent further violence. They have also set up a cordon around the scene of the shooting and conducted forensic examinations. They said they were following a number of lines of enquiry and working with partner agencies to provide support to the victims’ families and the local community.
Anyone with information urged to contact police
Detective Chief Inspector Bob Frew, from Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “This was a horrific incident that has resulted in the deaths of two men. Our thoughts are with their families and friends at this extremely difficult time.
“We are treating this as a double murder investigation and we are determined to find those responsible and bring them to justice. We believe this was a targeted attack and there is no wider risk to the public.
“However, we understand the impact this has had on the local community and we are grateful for their cooperation and assistance. We are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the shooting, or who may have any information that could help our investigation, to get in touch with us as soon as possible.
“Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3074 of 31 December, or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
