Masked gang slash man outside home as feud escalates

A targeted attack on a man by a masked gang in Edinburgh is linked to an organised crime feud which has been escalating since March.

Four or five men emerged from a grey Land Rover Discovery and slashed the 54-year-old victim on Pitcairn Grove, at about 21:20 on Thursday.

It is the third incident at the property in recent weeks after the front door was deliberately set on fire last month and two vehicles were torched outside the home on 8 May.

Police are treating the latest attack as attempted murder and confirmed it is linked to a series of assaults, shootings and firebombings across Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The 54-year-old was taken was taken to hospital and remains there but police have not provided any details about his condition.

BBC Scotland News understands a bladed weapon was involved in the attack and newspaper reports have suggested it was a machete.

Officers have established that the Land Rover travelled east along the M8, possibly at speed or "erratically".

Any drivers who were on the motorway around the time of the attack have been urged to contact the force's non-emergency line.

Police said the suspects were all wearing balaclavas and dressed in dark clothing.

Det Supt Paul Grainger said: "This has been a targeted attack and we are continuing our inquiries to identify those responsible.

"I would appeal to any motorists with dash cams to check their footage as the images could be significant to our investigation."

Anyone with information can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

A number of violent incidents have been linked to the feud, including an attack at a garage in East Kilbride this week.

Three men wearing dark clothes and face coverings are believed to have assaulted another two men in the town's Wilson Place on Monday afternoon.

A blue Audi, found on fire later that evening, was likely used during the assault.

Police have made more than 30 arrests in connection with the crimes.