Hunt for killer after man shot dead

Published on 05/12/2012 19:15

POLICE are hunting a killer who shot dead a man in a city flat.

Officers found the man lying in the flat in Hawkhill Close in Lochend but he was “unresponsive and had passed on”.

An ambulance was called to the six-storey apartment complex but the body of the man, who is believed to be in his 30s, was still in the flat this afternoon as detailed forensic tests continued.

Neighbours reported hearing raised voices followed by a loud bang shortly before 8pm on Tuesday night when it is believed the man was killed.

Police chiefs would not confirm that the victim had been shot and said only that they were treating the death as “suspicious”.

The name of the occupant of the flat has been traced by investigators, but are still working to confirm whether it is the dead man, who may not have lived at the address.

Officers would not confirm that the man had been deliberately targeted but added that they had “no reason to believe” there would be further incidents.

One local resident, who lives in the block opposite said: “There has been a lot of problems with drug dealers and antisocial behaviour recently.

“People have spoken about hearing a load of shouting up towards the flat and minutes later there was a loud bang.”

Superintendent Matt Richards said: “We received a call at 8.15pm on Tuesday and we attended as a result of local concerns. We forced entry to the address and found the man within the flat. An ambulance was called but it was clear he was unresponsive and had passed on.”

“We are appealing to anyone who was in the area of Hawkhill Close on Tuesday evening, who saw or heard anything suspicious, to contact police as a matter of urgency.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0131 311 3131 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.