Police probe 'suspicious' deaths of three men

POLICE in Edinburgh are treating the deaths of three men as suspicious.

A murder investigation has been launched after a post- mortem examination was carried out on the body of 31-year-old Lee Duncan, which was discovered in a flat in Lauriston Place on Friday.

His mother, Bernadette, said: "Our family is devastated and shocked at the sudden and tragic loss of a loving son, brother and uncle."

Detective Chief Inspector Keith Hardie, who is leading the investigation, appealed for anyone with any information to come forward. "We have extra police patrols in and around Lauriston Place to provide reassurance to local residents," he added.

Lothian and Borders Police are also describing the deaths of another two men in the city as suspicious.

The body of a 45-year-old man was found by firefighters tackling a blaze in a second-floor flat in Pilton Drive North at about 2:30am yesterday.

Detective Chief Inspector David Gordon said: "We believe there was a disturbance at the property before the fire broke out, and we want anyone who may have seen someone entering or leaving it in the early hours to contact police."

A 44-year-old man was found in a block of flats in Salamander Court, Leith, at about 3:30am.

Detective Inspector Sara Buchanan said: "The man was discovered within the lift that services the block of flats, and was taken to hospital, where he sadly passed away.

"We are appealing to any residents who saw or heard anything suspicious within the building in the early hours of this morning to contact police, if they have not already done so."

Officers are carrying out extra patrols in both areas.

Anyone with information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131-311 3131 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.